Find it difficult to stick to an exercise routine? Give these hacks a chance!

You might have all the intent to start exercising and get fit. Yet, if you find yourself missing gym days and sleeping through wake up calls, then this read is for you.
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Can’t get yourself to get up on that treadmill? Maybe it’s time to look for alternate exercises. Image courtesy: GIPHY
Ainee Nizami Published: 11 Dec 2019, 12:50 pm IST
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Thinking about going to the gym and actually committing to a routine are two different things. Most well-intentioned 6 AM blaring alarms to go to the gym end with snooze and a more comfortable position in bed. Sounds familiar? Welcome to the fam who wants to, but is not able to, stick to an exercise routine. 

The older you get, the tougher it gets to form new habits and commit to a routine. Thankfully there are hacks to lead the way. If you’ve added getting fit to your 2020 resolution–don’t worry, there’s still time for you to get on track. Just follow these simple everyday hacks to start with. 

  1. Pick something you enjoy
    This sounds super obvious, but we often end up picking a routine that is either the current trend or what our friends are doing. While going to the gym sounds like the easiest plan of action–you may not really enjoy running on the treadmill for 20 minutes in place that smells like old socks. Take a look at the activities on offer around your area and pick something that sounds fun, exciting and interesting enough to get out of bed at 6 AM for.
  1. Pick a time and stick to it
    More often than not we end up squeezing exercise time in our routine rather than making it a priority. Pick a time that suits you and don’t reschedule no matter what. Treat gym time like a work deadline: if you don’t go you don’t get paid. In this case is you don’t go, you don’t get cheat days.
  1. Find an exercise partner
    While it’s important to self-motivate, you can also cheat and find a partner who does that for you. Either convince your friend or partner to go along with you or find a partner at the gym who is dedicated and willing to push you. A friend of mine had gotten his personal instructor to call him every morning and ask him if he was coming. Trust me, there’s only so many times you can say no before the guilt pushes you to go and commit to that routine.
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Having an exercise buddy can help you commit to your regimen. GIF courtesy: GIPHY
  1. Pick a convenient location
    You are more likely to cancel if the location or the time is inconvenient. So pick an activity near your house or workplace, at a time that you usually don’t have anything important scheduled. This way you will have zero excuses to cancel and you’ll feel the pressure to go.
  1. Pay for the year and tell everyone
    Hello peer pressure–a tested way to get things done since decades. First of after you’ve decided on an activity that is interesting and fun, pay the entire year’s fee. You’ll feel more guilty while sleeping in if you’ve already paid. Also, tell everyone that you are starting a new exercise routine. If nothing else just the fact that nearly everyone you meet will ask you about it will motivate you to get out of bed every morning.

Also read: Download these 5 apps on your phone to stay on track with your fitness routine

Use these hacks to change things. It’s never too late to start getting fit. Go on, pick an activity, post about it on social media, and watch how everyone asking you about it pushes you to get up and work out.

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About the Author

Ainee has 10 years of experience in finding and writing stories about lifestyle, health, and fitness. When she is not surfing the internet for stories that'll connect with women, you’ll find her reading a book and sipping chai. ...Read More

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