Starting a new workout routine can be equal parts exciting and stressful. Although we’re excited about reaping the many benefits of a new routine, tackling a brand-new exercise regimen in earnest takes a bit of adjustment. Furthermore, many of us make mistakes that actively hinder our progress without even realizing it. Luckily, excelling at a new workout routine doesn’t have to be a losing battle. By making an effort to avoid the following blunders, you can pave the way for long-term success with your fitness goals.
Setting Goals That Are Too Lofty
Having confidence in yourself and your abilities is undeniably a good thing. Of course, being too confident can sometimes lead to undesirable outcomes. This is particularly true when it comes to setting fitness goals. If you’re new to physical fitness or have stepped away from exercise for a very long time, you may be tempted to set unrealistically lofty goals when putting together a new workout regimen. While it’s good to have high hopes, setting them impossibly high is practically guaranteed to result in disappointment. Unsurprisingly, upon failing to meet the unrealistic goals they imposed on themselves, many people become discouraged and step away from exercise.
In the interest of avoiding this issue, make a point of being as realistic as possible when laying out both short and long-term fitness goals. Additionally, take care to carefully consider your current strength and stamina levels. If you ultimately discover that your initial goals simply aren’t feasible, don’t be afraid to amend them as needed. By extension, once you’ve sufficiently increased your stamina, you’ll be able to set goals that are a bit higher. Just remember that being realistic at the outset can be a boon to your long-term success.
Failing to Commit to a Routine
As is the case with many things in life, commitment plays a role in determining one’s success with physical fitness. On the flipside, regularly blowing off exercise sessions and failing to honor your commitment to yourself can make your fitness goals seem perpetually unattainable. This is where structure enters the equation. Since humans are creatures that thrive on structure, it’s in your best interest to incorporate your new workout regimen into your daily routine.
In order to effectively turn a new fitness routine into an organic part of your regular schedule, select the best possible time of day to engage in exercise. For example, if you’re an early riser, starting your day with a good workout can leave you primed to tackle any challenges the remainder of the day throws your way. Alternatively, if you’re more active at night, exercising after getting off work may prove more beneficial. Furthermore, if you get long lunch breaks, a middle-of-the-day lunchtime workout may be ideal for you.
Regardless of the time of day you select, make a point of sticking with it. If your schedule ever demands that you shift things around a bit, so be it – but your commitment to your daily fitness routine should remain a priority.
Making Poor Dietary Choices
Physical fitness is a two-tiered road. In addition to sticking to a regular workout routine, you’ll also need to make smart dietary choices. While the occasional junk food indulgence is generally okay, making poor eating choices on a consistent basis can effectively undo a lot of the progress you’ve made on the exercise front. You can nip this in the bud by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and protein. Furthermore, if you’re in the market for a tasty health-conscious snack, a shake made with protein powders is liable to satisfy your tastebuds while providing you with ample energy.
Although some people possess a natural knack for physical fitness, many of us have to put quite a bit of work into meeting our workout goals. Lasting results typically require a tremendous amount of willpower, commitment and dedication – and many people understandably have trouble going all-in when it comes to new fitness regimens. However, while becoming acclimated to a new workout routine may prove challenging, it’s by no means impossible. In fact, in many cases, our biggest hindrance to success is ourselves. Anyone looking to experience long-term success with a new workout routine should take care to avoid the mistakes discussed above.
