How to make working out a habit

We all know that adding exercise is good for your heart, bones, muscles, weight, and sleep. But exercising has more benefits if you make it a regular habit.

1. Develop a ritual to make starting easier

Habits are behaviors that you repeat over and over, which means they are also behaviors that you start over and over again. In other words, if you don't consistently get started, then you won't have a habit. Building new habits is simply an exercise in getting started time after time in many ways.

Suppose you're looking to find a way to make getting started more accessible. In that case, you have to find a way to make building a habit into a routine. When you find a practice that makes starting your workout mindless and automatic, it will be much easier to follow through.

2. Start with an exercise that is very small

Just 10 minutes of aerobic exercise can do your body good. Walk around your neighborhood or use a treadmill. Join a class that you might enjoy and commit to doing that just one time a week and increase it as time passes.

3. Make it fun

Eliminate the mental argument of “should I go to the gym” vs. “should I not go?” Seek out people who are doing what you are doing. Surround yourself with friends, family, or co-workers who will influence your habits. 

4. Ban perfection

Don’t beat yourself up over one missed workout. A slip-up isn’t the end of the world. Keep reminding yourself that if it works for you, do it. If it doesn’t, evaluate and move on. Remember that a workout is an investment, one at a time. If you need someone to keep you more accountable, you may want to consider hiring a personal trainer.

5. Welcome a reward

Some rewards come naturally, like losing weight or sleeping better. Some ways to reward yourself can be to take a hot bath, pay yourself a small amount for each workout you complete, or plan a vacation after a certain amount of workouts are under your belt.

Humans are naturally creatures of habit. There are ways to create an exercise habit plan that works just for you. It may take some trial and error to find something that you can stick with and enjoy. Remember to be kind to yourself. Don’t set unrealistic expectations that your body will be in shape after one week. Focus on consistency and watch your mood and energy levels improve.