A ritual is a habit, or an act that is regularly repeated in a set manner. We all have rituals that we perform day in and day out, without even realizing it. These rituals include brushing our teeth, walking the dog, making coffee, etc… So when it comes to exercise, why do so many of us struggle with consistency? The answer is quite simple: It’s because we dread it. One of the most common excuses for not exercising is I don’t feel like it. Learn how to look forward to your workouts again and make exercise fun with these workout rituals.
Often times, when you begin a workout routine, you’re mainly fueled by motivation. The problem is, this motivation is usually temporary. It’s typically just a matter of time before you fall off the wagon yet again. There are many reasons for this, including but not limited to: a lack of enjoyment, not enough time, a lack of support, no workout plan, or no set goals. There are several steps that must be taken in order to turn an act into a habit. Once we are fueled by habit instead of motivation, we will begin to see real progress!
Make Exercise Fun with these Workout Rituals
1. Put it on the Calendar
Scheduling appointments isn’t usually considered fun…but it could be if it’s an appointment with yourself to improve your health! Setting aside time each day for your workouts will keep you consistent and heading in the right direction. You will enjoy your workouts more when you aren’t crunched for time. Put them on the calendar for a stress-free workout routine.
2. Make a Pre-Workout Checklist
Your pre-workout checklist should include a few things. For example, making sure your music player is charged ahead of time, filling up your water bottle, laying out your cute and comfortable workout clothes, preparing the equipment you’ll need, etc…
Music is one of those things that can make any situation more fun–even exercise! If you haven’t tried listening to music while working out, we strongly recommend doing so. Staying hydrated, being comfortable, and having all of the equipment you’ll need close by will make your workout less complicated and more enjoyable!
3. Choose Something You Enjoy
Choosing a form of exercise that you find enjoyable will make you more willing to complete your workout each day! Depending on what form of exercise you choose, there will be certain steps you’ll need to follow before, during, and after your workout.
If you’re a runner, make sure you fuel up with healthy carbohydrates about 30 minute prior to your workout. You’ll need to give yourself enough time to warm-up, stretch out, and cool-down as well.
If you choose yoga, you won’t need quite as much fuel or time, but you will need to make sure you have things like flexible clothing and a yoga mat.
Perhaps weight lifting is your workout of choice. You should fuel up with protein and carbohydrates about an hour beforehand, warm-up the muscles you’ll be using, and stretch out when you’re finished. Don’t forget to refuel with more protein within an hour or two of completing your workout.
No matter what form of exercise you choose, there are tasks that must be completed to properly prepare. In order for a workout program to be sustainable, it must also be enjoyable. When you participate in exercise that is fun, chances are good that those workouts will become a regular habit.
4. Train for Something
There should be a purpose behind every ritual. Habits are formed for a reason. If you don’t have a plan or a goal, you are much more likely to fall off the wagon. It’s important for you to have a workout plan, not just to save yourself time but also to give you a reason to exercise on the regular.
It doesn’t have to be a race or a competition, either. Maybe you just want to lose a certain amount of weight or build up more muscle. Regardless of your goal, having something to train for will keep you driven to succeed. Plus, working towards a goal can be extremely exciting!
Related: 7 Insane Races We Dare You to Try
5. Plan Your Rewards
Have you ever completed a tough workout and thought, “I’ve earned some ice cream.” While food can be a reward every once in a while, it should not be the go-to. Instead, consider rewarding yourself with an hour of TV time, adding some money to a vacation fund, or buying a new book or outfit. Whether you reward yourself once a week, once a month, or once a year, having something to look forward to will keep your motivation from waning and your work ethic strong.
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By applying all of these rituals to your workout routine, exercise will go from being a task to becoming a habit. Make exercise fun with these workout rituals, and never see working out as a chore again.
Do you use any of these workout rituals? Do you have any to share? Let us know in the comment section!
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