Consistency is the cornerstone of any successful fitness journey. You can have the perfect workout plan and the most nutritious diet but without adherence, reaching your fitness goals becomes an uphill battle. Adherence to exercise goes beyond just showing up at the gym; it encompasses consistency, motivation, and mindset.
Adherence to exercise refers to the ability to consistently engage in physical activity over time. It means sticking to a workout routine, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining motivation even when faced with lifes challenges. While it may sound simple in theory, many of us struggle to adhere to exercise routines; lack of time, motivation, or unrealistic expectations are just a handful of reasons why.
But overcoming these hurdles is detrimental to our success and here's why adherence is so important.
Consistent Progress: Adherence is essential for making consistent progress towards your fitness goals. Whether your aim is to lose weight, build muscle, or improve overall health, staying committed to your exercise routine is crucial for seeing tangible results.
Long-Term Health Benefits: Regular exercise offers a myriad of health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved cardiovascular health, enhanced mood, and increased energy levels. The key here being, consistency.
Building Habits: Consistency breeds habit formation. By sticking to a regular exercise routine, you not only improve your physical health but also develop sustainable habits that become ingrained in your lifestyle (therefore not relying on motivation!)
So how do you enhance your adherence?
Set Realistic targets: Establish achievable and realistic fitness targets that align with your abilities and lifestyle. Break down larger targets into smaller, manageable milestones to stay motivated and track your progress effectively. When we talk about targets we're not necessarily focusing on the outcome (goal) but the steps in which you take to get the end result. (And the key here really is the word realistic!)
Find Enjoyable Activities: Engage in physical activities that you enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, or weightlifting, choosing activities that bring you pleasure increases your long-term likelihood of adherence.
Create a Schedule: Treat exercise like any other important appointment by scheduling it into your daily routine. Set aside dedicated time for workouts and prioritise them just like you would any other commitment.
Accountability and Support: Partnering up with a workout buddy or simply telling your friends and family your goals can provide accountability and support, making it easier to stay on track.
Be Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and there will be days when sticking to your planned workout seems impossible. Instead of giving up altogether, be flexible and find alternative ways to stay active, get out and go for a walk, add in a quick 10 minutes at home or simply rescheduling the time to another day.
Track Your Progress: Keep track of your workouts, progress, and achievements. Seeing tangible results can boost motivation and reinforce adherence to your exercise routine.
Adherence really is the linchpin of a successful fitness journey. By focusing on consistency, setting realistic goals, finding enjoyment in physical activity, and seeking support when needed, you can cultivate adherence and achieve long-term success in your pursuit of health and wellness. Remember, every workout brings you one step closer to your goals, so stay committed, stay motivated, and embrace the journey towards a fitter, healthier you