How to start a new workout routine
Starting a new workout routine always starts out exciting and leaving you feeling super motivated to be the best you. Unfortunately, alarm clocks start to put to sleep more…muscles are sore…and life gets so busy its ‘impossible’ to find time to fit it in. The awesome news is that you don’t have to cave into burnout when you feel it creeping around the corner. Even better, this “bad” phase doesn’t last forever- I promise.
Ok so heres the basics, first choose a workout that doesn’t totally suck and isn’t crazy hard for you. Yes it should be challenging, but you should also be having FUN about 80% of the time. If you don’t have a lot of time, don’t invest in a 60-90min per day program. If your back can’t handle jumping, don't get a HIIT type of workout. Get the jist? I have seriously injured myself by trying to jump (literally) into a program that was too advanced for me. I had been regularly exercising for over a year and it was still beyond my reach- I am still recovering from that and wish I had taken my own advice.
Secondly, expect it to suck at first. Oh wow didn’t expect that did you? But its true. Its going to be challenging enough that your normal routine is going to be out of whack so you are going to feel out of sorts (what? 5am workout wake up call? Wtf?). But on top of that you are going to feel sore in between workouts, sweaty and out of breathe during the session, the moves are going to be awkward and more challenging then you think they should be or look. You will be EXHAUSTED every night. You will feel like a failure. You will want to quit. You will curse your trainer. BUT. This is a huge BUT. Don’t give up. Unless you are doing a workout that's genuinely too hard for you (see above!) then you are going to have to push through the first 2-3 weeks of total shiz. I am warning you now, so just plan for it. After that…its like suddenly you get it. The moves are easier, you can breathe easier, your muscles calm down, you aren’t as sore, not quite as tired at night. And then you’ll start to crave your workouts for the stress relief and FUN they provide and we’ll welcome you to the natural endorphin club with a high five.
Honestly this is also why pre-planning is so helpful. This includes your meals, your workouts, supplements, and schedules. Literally, make a menu and put it in your phone and on the fridge. Prep your food on Sundays if possible. Schedule your workouts in your phone like a meeting with yourself. Let your spouse and kids know this is your workout time and to get their own snacks. This may seem a little drastic at first, but you know what? This is what the successful people do. Mimic and you are sure to find success as well. And remember, the healthy way is well known for being more difficult than the “quick fixes,” but for good reason. It takes time to establish and nourish a healthy mind, body and lifestyle.
Those first two weeks you’d rather kill yourself then workout again, that's when you need accountability partners and friends the most. Texts with “get your ass out of bed!” work wonders and being accountable to a VIP group like ours is a great incentive. If you naturally struggle with accountability, be weary of leaving yourself too much time to fill with unhealthy choices or not checking with someone who can help you (like me!). Also, scheduling your most intense parts of your routine for times you are typically at your weakest might not be the best idea, you’ll be far more tempted to call it quits. For example, if you know you are too tired or busy to go after work every day, schedule your workouts first thing in the morning. By the time you need to be getting ready for the day, you would have already accomplished one of your daily goals (leaving you feeling GREAT). Even better, knowing you’ve completed a job well done gives you incentive to do it all over again.
Self-discipline is key when starting a new workout routine. Forget the idea that a workout is avoidable or optional for any reason and you’ll find yourself kicking temptations butt! We wouldn’t leave for the day without brushing our teeth in the mornings (unless you’re my 4 year old), seriously make your workout an equal priority and watch your life change before your eyes.
Ok so what’s usually hardest for you when starting a workout routine?
