No matter how much you want to stay fit and build a great body, life can get in the way—you get busy, feel tired, or lose motivation, and you start skipping workouts. So how do you overcome those common barriers to make sure you get enough exercise? Easy peasy! Follow a few simple strategies so you can stay healthy and build strong habits that last a lifetime. Read on to learn more about how to stop skipping workouts with these powerful tips. And next, don’t miss The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.
People often struggle to be consistent because they “bite off more than they can chew.” They try to do too much at once and set themselves up for failure. Instead, and in order to stop skipping workouts, break down your goals into smaller steps that gradually increase. Commit to fewer workouts per week, but make sure you follow through with them. Then, as you build the habit, you can do more.
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Rather than trying to fit your workouts into a busy schedule, schedule your exercise first, and put everything around it. That way, you won’t have to worry about running out of time and you prioritize exercise in your life.
It’s normal for motivation to ebb and flow, so in the moments you don’t feel like exercising, it’s powerful to have a friend who pushes you and holds you accountable. If you even think about skipping your training, you’ll have to answer to them. They’ll also help make your exercise more fun, which further strengthens your adherence.
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Sometimes, the trick to stop skipping your exercise is to find something you really love. Maybe you prefer swimming, playing team sports, or doing group glasses over doing a solo workout in the gym—and that’s totally fine! There are countless forms of exercise. Find what you enjoy, and you’ll be far more consistent over time.
To achieve anything in life, you will face ups and downs. Sometimes, it helps to simply accept those issues will happen. If you miss a workout, don’t beat yourself up or think you “failed”—learn from it. It happens to everyone. Then, if you succeed, reward yourself! (After all, it ain’t easy.)
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As the saying goes, “If you fail to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.” To stay consistent, get everything ready ahead of time. Prepare your clothes, nutrition, and more before you train. That way, when it’s time to exercise, you don’t have to fumble around—you can simply grab it and go.
Create goals around specific behaviors, not just results. For example, instead of aiming to “lose 10 pounds,” aim to “exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week.” That way, you’re targeting specific actions that are 100% in your control. If you’re skipping workouts, only focus on hitting your target number of sessions, and the rest will follow.
Anthony J. Yeung
Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS, is a fitness expert featured in Esquire, GQ, and Men’s Health and the founder of GroomBuilder, the destination for men who want to transform their bodies for their weddings. Join the free 5-day course to burn fat and build muscle for the big day! Read more
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