Secret to Consistency in Exercise

1. Do the types of exercise you enjoy. Forcing yourself to do things that you don’t enjoy but think are good for you is harder to sustain.

2. Mix it up. Trying new things can be scary, but also invigorating. Here I am doing Goat Yoga, 30 years after I first started yoga. Try a new teacher, go to an exhibition, watch your sport, join a group, try different routes or venues. Whatever it makes it fun and exciting for you.

3. Join forces. If you find that you make excuses, committing to a date and time with a group or friend can help get you out when you are tired or don’t feel like it.

4. Set goals. Whether you want to get a belt in a martial art, do a distance event that is just out of reach or just have a plan to cover a certain distance throughout a time period, having a goal can motivate you when you need it.

5. Tell people. You are more likely to do it if you tell others that you are. Giving updates on your progress might seem like boasting, but it can also help to get you encouragement to continue.

6. Freedom to change. If you don’t fancy doing the 10km run you planned, but instead you want to explore a recently discovered footpath, allow yourself the freedom to adapt. Sometimes the big or hard training session in your head may need to be a more gentle session, and vice versa. Especially when the weather or your body is not right for the session you planned, its often better to do a short/easy session than none at all.

Feel free to let me know what tips you have for keeping going when you want to give up.

Good luck and have fun.