Health-orientated resolutions are the most common resolutions that people make in the new year, and if you’re one of those people who have decided that you want to go to the gym more in 2023, that’s great! However, many exercise-focused resolutions end up failing because people don’t approach these resolutions correctly. So if you are considering exercising more or going to the gym regularly this year, it’s helpful to know some things about cultivating a workout routine that sticks. Below, we share five tips for starting and sticking to a gym routine in the new year.
Starting And Maintaining A Workout Routine
If you want to develop a workout routine that sticks, keep these five tips in mind.
- Start Slow – We understand that you may have some big exercise goals in mind, but if you start off in a frenzy, it’s easy to fall off from that pace and eventually stop going to the gym altogether. Jumping too heavily into a workout routine is also a recipe for overstress injuries. Start by getting a short run or a 15-minute workout under your belt and slowly building on those successes each week. This will make it easier for you to notice improvement and make you want to keep building on your success.
- Develop A Routine – If you want a workout routine to stick, you need to develop a routine so that you always have time to workout. Whether that means waking up a half hour earlier or bringing a change of clothes to the office so that you can hit the gym on the way home, start figuring out what workout routine works best for you. Don’t just assume you’ll find time to work out, go out of your way and make time to work out and establish a healthy workout routine.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help – We understand that the gym can sometimes be an intimidating place, but don’t be afraid to ask for help or assistance. Many gym members would be more than happy to provide a spot or help with your technique if you have questions about how an exercise is performed. If you’d rather not ask a stranger, consider connecting with a personal trainer or a physical therapist to ensure that you are getting the most out of each exercise.
- Write Down Your Goals – Research has shown that we are more likely to stick to our goals if we write them down and place them in a spot that we see every day. Write down your goals and put them on your bedroom mirror or on your refrigerator so that you see them every day. It’s easier to hold ourselves accountable for our actions if we are regularly reminded of our goals, so write down some short- and long-term goals and let them be a constant reminder of what you’re working towards.
- Find What Works For You – Finally, it is important to find a workout routine that works for you. You may be interested in a gym routine only to find that it’s just not for you and you’re struggling to find the motivation to go to the gym each day. While exercising may not be the most fun thing you do each day, it certainly shouldn’t be something you dread, so try new activities and see what works best for you. Maybe you’ll enjoy cycling, swimming laps, doing hot yoga or taking up martial arts. Don’t feel like you need to stick with the traditional gym routine if there is a different workout routine that you find more engaging or enjoyable. Try different exercise routines and find a workout that you don’t dread.
If you can do these five things, we’re confident that your workout routine will have a better chance to become a habit that lasts long into the future. For more help developing a workout routine, or for personal assistance addressing an injury, reach out to the team at OrthoRehab Specialists today at (612) 339-2041.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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