Working out takes commitment and dedication. You must define the goals of what you want from working out and post them in a location where it will make a difference in your life. Do you want to lose weight? Create a visual that works for you on your refrigerator or in your bathroom next to the scale, where you will see it regularly and it will help you make great choices for foods and exercise.
What has worked for me is finding a balance in workout routines that combine routines with activities that I enjoy. I want to maintain my weight and keep my muscles toned, so I have chosen a balance of weight bearing exercise with cardio that works for me.
For example, I’m not a runner, but I love to read. I will choose books that are easy to read and read them only while at the gym on the elliptical machine. If this doesn’t work for you, create a playlist or browse magazines while doing some cardio. This will help you get through the workout, however rigorous you choose to work out. I enjoy 3-4 days of cardio for about 45 – 60 minutes. Generally, these activities are split amongst the week, and not consecutive.
I choose to participate in weight bearing exercise 2-3 days per week for toning. I often will do these at the gym, on a circuit that includes biceps, triceps, shoulders, legs, and abs. I generally choose to do between 2-3 sets with 10-12 reps, increasing the weight as the exercises become easier. Many circuit training exercises can be emulated at home with dumbbells.
I also enjoy doing Jillian Michael’s or the P90X workout videos, which provide variety to my workouts when I either can’t make a trip to the gym or want the comfort of working out in my own home. For cardio exercises, if I don’t hit the gym, I will rollerblade, walk, swim, or ride my bicycle.
A typical workout routine for my week might look something like this:
Sunday: P90X Yoga
Monday: cardio and weights
Tuesday: bike ride
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: cardio and weights
Friday: P90X and AbRipper
Saturday: rest
This schedule provides some flexibility that allows me to either workout at the gym or at home, and keeps me mentally focused on giving my body what it needs, exercise. I often mix things up but make time to dedicate to working out and create consistent routines. This helps me with my commitment level.