8 Ways To Stay Committed

Sticking to any new workout program can be hard, but here are some tricks to keep you in the game.

Grab a buddy.
The next time you work out, bring someone that will encourage and challenge you along the way. Friends are an amazing way to stay motivated and energized. If your gym or running buddy is a similar level to you, a competitive edge can bring a whole new dimension to your training.

Join a program.
Whether it’s a 10-day or a 12-week program, make a commitment for a set period of time. Most research shows that 4 weeks is long enough to start making habits, and short enough to maintain without getting distracted. Find what works for you and make the commitment!

Tell people about your goals.
That can be confiding in your best friends, broadcasting on social media, or even telling the cashier at the grocery store. When you share your commitments, it helps you stick with them. And now there’s someone that you remain accountable to other than yourself, and that can be helpful.

Go all in.
When you adjust both diet and exercise together, real results can happen. Don’t be content with only being half committed. If you want it, go get it. You won’t change your body by doing 5 squats and eating a carrot. Fitness is a lifestyle, not an event.

Keep realistic goals.
Yes, even I can admit it would be nice to have a rock-hard six pack after 1 intense ab workout, but that’s never going to happen. By setting realistic benchmark goals, you’ll feel more motivated to keep pushing on. I try to set specific goals that I can reach every 1-2 weeks. Sometimes that’s doing 20 push-ups non-stop, or to run farther during my 30-minute run, or to lose 2 pounds. Whatever it is, I set it small. Setting small goals will help you stay on track to meet your long-term goals.

Make non-physical goals.
I may want to lose 15 pounds, or fit back into a size 4, but there’s more to health and fitness than changing your appearance. Make a note of how you feel when you climb a flight of stairs, or play with your kids. Do you feel better? Have more energy? Are you happier? Sometimes those questions are much more important and inspiring than a number of pounds lost.

Make it a habit.
If working out is something that you struggle to fit in every day, set a specific time and make it a priority in your schedule. Once you make it a habit, it’s much easier to stay on track. Take brushing your teeth for example. You do it so often that it would be hard to skip for a week. Same should go for exercise.

Find what you love.
Maybe running is your thing, or maybe it isn’t. Whether you love running, cycling, lifting, dancing, or hiking, find your fitness passion. It’s never hard to get up and do what you love. So find it, and never fight to work out again.

Becca Capell
iFit Head Trainer

WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.