It has been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The same is true of your fitness journey. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, it is difficult to get started. Here are some techniques that I use when I struggle to start moving.
–Schedule
Scheduling your workouts helps to give them importance. For example, the pool I use requires me to schedule a time. This has gotten me to the pool because I want to be respectful of the others who may have wanted to swim but couldn’t because took that spot.
Also, scheduling gives your workouts priority. If you schedule your workouts, they become as much a priority as your hair appointment, your dentist or your car’s oil change.
–Time Management
Related to scheduling is time management. There are two parts to this.
- Having the time available to schedule the workout.
Do not set yourself up for failure by not having enough time to get your workout done. If meeting your goal means getting up an hour earlier than you usually do, it might not work if it means you don’t get enough sleep.
2. Using alarms
Sometimes I will schedule something fun before my morning workout. I will set an alarm for 20 minutes and read the paper or a book and then get started. Or you can set the alarm for the end of the workout and have then read your book or watched your favorite TV show. Have some favorites prerecorded so you can watch them any time.
Another way I use alarms is to split my time among several priorities. I will work in 20- or 30-minute increments with breaks to move as I get things accomplished.
–Documentation of Goals
I keep track of my workouts and have a goal of achieving 90% of my goal each week. This helps me when I struggle to get started by knowing I might not meet my goals if I don’t get going.
I have talked before about documentation. Just use what works for you whether it is a spreadsheet, a whiteboard in your office or kitchen, or an app on your phone.
–Accountability
I have had my trainer, Keith, for accountability since the start of my fitness journey. But I have others as well in my informal support team. Some possible sources for accountability partners are family members, work colleagues, friends, or neighbors. The best accountability partner in your informal network is someone with similar goals. For example, if you are working on losing weight find a partner who is losing weight also. Don’t partner with your skinny friend. If you have a fitness goal, partner with someone near you in ability. For example, if you want to run a 5k, don’t partner with someone training for a Marathon.
–Formal Support Team
If scheduling and informal accountability partners are not working, it might be time to use your formal support team. You might need an extra session with your fitness trainer to review your techniques. Another possibility is to see a counselor such as a psychologist or psychiatrist or a social worker. Possibly there is a psychological issue behind your difficulty in getting started. Another possibility is to see your primary care physician as you may have a physical reason for your struggles.
–Celebration
Now is the time to celebrate what you have accomplished. Perhaps you need to motivate yourself with small rewards. After your workout, take a luxurious bubble bath instead of a quick shower. Schedule a call with a friend to talk about your success. Each week plan a celebration reward for meeting your goals. Do not forget this step in your fitness journey.
–Summary There are various techniques available when you have trouble getting started. Email me at noquickfixes18@gmail.com and let me know your favorite technique for getting started, and I will share it on a future Instagram post.