Keep on going

In the last few months, we have spoken about getting back into training after the winter months, then about how to get some more training into your schedule. Now I’d like to give some tips on how you can keep up the momentum. When you start adding a new fitness activity to your week, you can be full of enthusiasm and this can be enough to motivate you to go. But what happens when the motivation wears off?

I’ll let you in on a bit of a secret. Writing this blog takes way more time than it should. I distract myself with everything, having a cup of tea, reading the news, or randomly scrolling on my phone. But it still gets done as I put things in place to make sure it is. Part of it is an external force (SPIN Ideas), but the rest is the same as getting your training done.

Deadlines

Having an event to train for is a useful one. I have a few clients with races they have booked in for this year. Other deadlines can be made. For example, being able to lift x kilograms in y exercise in 2026.

(With my blog, it is getting a blog out every month.)

Habits through discipline

Unfortunately, motivation only takes us so far. Sometimes we just have to force ourselves to train. I am mostly happily doing my training, but my Tuesday night club swimming is the one session I often have to force myself to do. I do all my other training during the day, and mostly now they just flow into my day. For example, today I had a run session in my schedule that I did between client sessions (it was either that or write this blog 😉) and that was pretty easy to do. I always run on this day of the week. Anyway, back to my swimming, I just have to go through the motions, have an early dinner, get changed, pack my stuff, drag myself out the door and cycle to the pool. Often in the dark, sometimes in the rain. Normally, by the time I have done the warm-up, I am good to go.  So, by forcing yourself to train for a period of time, you can ingrain good habits and you will automatically go and train. Just like the time one of my clients accidentally turned up for her personal training session when I was on holiday because it was just part of her habits.

Follow the 10-minute rule

If you are struggling to start your gym session, promise yourself you will go to the gym for 10 minutes and start the session. If you really can’t face it after 10 minutes, then you are free to go home. I am pretty sure on most occasions you won’t even remember you made the deal with yourself and you will finish your session. When, on the rare occasion, you really can’t do it, then there is likely to be a good reason for it.

Accountability

I talk about this a lot. Having a team of people, a friend, or a trainer waiting for you will get you out the door. Putting yourself in a situation where you can let someone down, or you have paid for a session, can be very helpful in ensuring that you get to your training session. In the case of training with a friend, you need to find someone who also doesn’t want to let you down.

Planning

I say this a lot, but your training sessions need to be planned in your schedule. If you are struggling to get the habit in place, just hoping it will happen makes it less likely to happen. Put it in your diary like you would an important meeting, ensuring you make time to prepare and to shower and change afterwards.

As you can see, there are a few steps to take to ensure you keep training on a regular basis. Don’t leave it to chance, take some time to ensure you put everything in place for a regular training regime.

Get in touch with me to learn more about how I can help you reach your goals.