10 Exercise Tips

Welcome back to #fitnessfriday here at organize me happy. Every friday for the month of February I will be sharing workout tips and tricks to keep you motivated and active. Last week’s post was on ways to stay motivated to workout now that January’s new year’s motivation is passed. This week I will be sharing 10 workout secrets that help keep up the activity all year long.

“Stay Consistent”– You don’t have to be the strongest or the fastest but  you do need to be consistent. Create a workout schedule & stick to it.

“Set SMART goals”– I’m starting to feel as though I preach SMART goals here but they are very important. Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relate to your larger goal and Time Specific. Over simplified goals such as “I want to lose weight” are frequently unmet.

“Have an accountability partner” – Find someone to go on your fitness journey with, someone who will hold you accountable for your actions or lack thereof. Also, exercise is always funner when you are doing it with a friend.

“Make your plan fit you” – Don’t plan to go to the gym for 3 hours a day if you work for 12, Don’t plan to go for a mile walk everyday if you live in an area prone to poor weather. You know you, if the easiest way for you to workout is to do workouts at home in front of the TV then go for it.

“Do what you like” – Don’t create an exercise regiment you dread, that’s why a lot of people give up. Does your local fitness center offer exercise classes, join one you think is fun (for example I used to do body combat at goodlife & I loved it). If you hate walking, don’t plan to do it. Find what you enjoy and stick to that

“Know your internal clock” – If you are mostly motivated first thing in the morning, workout then. If you are groggy in the evening, use that time to relax. Chose a workout time that works for you, your body & your schedule.

“Find a pro” – Most fitness centers have fitness trainers on staff, if you are not sure how to do something don’t let that stop you from trying, don’t be afraid to ask for help, that’s what they are there for.

“Find inspiration”- This is a big one for me. I even have a pinterest board dedicated specifically to fitness motivation full of quotes & photos. Read inspirational stories, see how others have achieved their goals. It’s always easier to get motivated with the right inspiration.

“Be Patient” – You will not see a difference over night and most of the time others will notice before you do but keep going. Like I said in my motivation post last week it is often best if you take photos of yourself on a weekly/monthly basis that way you are more able to see the change than looking in the mirror day by day.

“Get back up”- It is basically a rule that even the best of us only exercise and eat right 80% of the year. That is okay. It is not a complete failure if you lose motivation and stop, maybe you get sick or you injure yourself or you just don’t feel up to it. That’s fine, what is important is that you get back up and keep going. Don’t let the 20% ruin your 80%.

 

What are your best exercise secrets? Let me know in the comment. Check back next week for tips on how to optimize your workout.