Let’s be honest. Working out daily is hard work. We all get those days when we can’t seem to muster the energy, or motivation for that matter, to put on our sneakers and exercise.
And it’s usually a host of factors (or excuses) which are typically responsible… work, school or personal matters to name a few but whatever it is, we find ourselves trying to rationalize why we should skip our workout.
The truth is, simple adjustments in lifestyle and attitude can help you get going even through the most trying days when you just want to curl up on the couch in front of the TV.
HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR DAILY WORKOUT SCHEDULE AND KEEP YOU ON TRACK.
1. GET ENOUGH SLEEP.
If you feel sluggish throughout the day or feel you haven’t recovered sufficiently from the last workout, it could mean that you didn’t get enough sleep the night before.
Studies show that you should get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Avoid caffeine before bedtime, shut off your mobile phone and practice deep breathing techniques to ensure good quality deep sleep every night.
Getting a good night’s rest will help you recover and feel more energized for next day’s workout. This one’s a no-brainer but often gets overlooked because of our busy lifestyles.
2. EAT HEALTHY.
The primary function of food is to give you energy in the form of calories. If you don’t eat enough, you won’t have the energy to fuel your workouts. Eat too much and you may feel sluggish.
Choose clean sources of carbohydrates that provide long- lasting energy. These are complex carbohydrates that have fiber such as oatmeal, wild rice and sweet potatoes. Pair your carbohydrate with lean protein like roasted chicken breast, baked fish or grilled sirloin steak.
Protein has amino acids which enhance the recovery of muscle tissue.
3. SET A GOAL.
Having a goal increases your focus and gives you a sense of purpose. People who set written goals have direction and better motivation than those who just go through the motions.
When you set your mind to accomplishing a goal, you know that losing a day in training means losing an opportunity to improve.
4. CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE.
Sometimes you feel like you’re stuck in a rut because your current workout routine is no longer producing gains.
When this happens it doesn’t mean that your workout routine has failed. It only proves your body has adapted to the workout and needs change in order to reset its neural fibers.
5. GET A WORKOUT PARTNER.
If you can’t get yourself to exercise perhaps your workout partner can.
Having a workout partner is not just having someone who can assist you in finishing an extra repetition. He or she can be a source of motivation as well.
Your workout partner can also help you commit to a regular workout routine because your goals are tied to each other. If one does not show up, he or she would compromise the goals of the other.
Having someone beside you with the same type of fitness goals will inspire you to stay on track and stop the excuses.
Maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle should be everyone’s priority. Keeping up with a routine can be hard work and yes there may be times when you’ll drop the ball, but all in all, your health should be one of your top priorities in life.