Exercising regularly can be challenging. It can be difficult to settle into a routine or persist with an exercise rehab plan. At some point, some people might find themselves avoiding it.
But exercise is incredibly beneficial to both physical and mental health – so it’s important to keep persisting. The following are a few fundamentals for creating a sustainable exercise routine.
Outline The Exercise Plan For The Week
Set a time to plan any exercise for the week (or the day, month, or even year). Everyone gets organised in different ways, so develop a strategy to plan any exercise that works and feels most comfortable. For example, on a Sunday, write out the exercise classes or exercise rehab planned for the week. This way, it is set into the schedule and all that is left is to go at the allocated time!
Do Exercises That Are Enjoyable
There is nothing harder than trying to get motivated for an exercise class that is unenjoyable. Instead, find exercises that are fun and interesting. Not everyone loves going to the gym or running. If it’s dancing – do that! If it’s Pilates – do that! Find what works, as it will be a lot easier to stick to in the long run.
Vary The Exercise
Whilst doing enjoyable exercises is important in a sustainable exercise routine, it’s also essential to vary the type of exercise. Otherwise, the exercise routine can become monotonous. Whether it’s the intensity, type, or volume of exercise, try to add variety to help keep the exercise routine fresh and engaging.
Incorporate Rest Days
Rest days should be incorporated into any exercise program, just like varied intensity workouts or long sessions. A day to rest enables the body to recover, and is more important than people might think. Rest days are not something to miss!
Find An Expert
If it feels too difficult to create an exercise routine, try making an appointment with a physiotherapist or other health professional. A physiotherapist can assess any individual problems and create a structured exercise routine and a targeted approach to exercise rehab. It might just make all the difference!
Why Does An Exercise Routine Feel Unsustainable?
There are a couple of reasons that an exercise routine can start to feel unsustainable. These include:
· Overscheduling: Doing too much in a period of time can become overwhelming, making it harder to exercise on other days. Make sure to consider any exercise plan carefully.
· Missing rest days: It can be tempting to skip a rest day, especially when the body is feeling good and energetic. However, paradoxically, rest days actually help the body recuperate faster and improve performance on exercising days.
· Not mixing things up: Some people thrive on routine, but for the majority of us, mixing up different types of exercises can help with motivation. This may involve incorporating a yoga class or going for a hike instead of a run.
Need help getting started with a sustainable exercise routine? Contact us today!
Always consult a health professional before starting any type of exercise program.