If you struggle to hit the gym with any amount of consistency, then it could be because you leave too much flexibility in your routine. Having a set (or mostly set) workout schedule is important for a five main reasons:
1. It helps to ensure that you are consistently working out and making progress towards your fitness goals.
Research as shown that by setting aside specific times for exercise you will be more likely to stick to your routine and avoid missing workouts.
2. Having a workout schedule allows you to plan and organize your exercise routine.
This can include deciding on the type of workout you want to do (cardio, strength training, etc.), selecting specific exercises to focus on, and deciding on how long and how intense your workout will be. This can help to prevent boredom, as well as to ensure that you are targeting all the different areas of fitness that are important to you.
3. A workout schedule also provides structure and accountability.
When you have a plan in place, it is much easier to stay motivated and on track. Additionally, when you have a schedule, you can monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. For example, you may find that you are not seeing the results you want and need to adjust your routine to increase the intensity or frequency of your workouts.
4. The added consistency from a scheduled routine is the biggest factor in improving your overall health and well-being.
Regular exercise has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and endurance, improve mental health, and more. By making exercise a regular part of your routine, you can reap these benefits and improve your overall quality of life.
5. Having a workout schedule can also help to improve time management and productivity.
By setting aside specific times for exercise, you can ensure that you are making the most of your time and not letting other things get in the way of your fitness goals. Additionally, exercise has been shown to boost energy levels and improve focus, so working out regularly can help you to be more productive in other areas of your life as well.
BONUS TIPS: 5 Tips To Build A Consistent Workout Schedule
1. Set appointments in your calendar like you would a doctor’s appointment.
This ensures you protect the time allotted for your exercise and won’t let it get overridden by surprise to-do list items.
2. Set a plan of action for each day’s workout.
To go a step further, planning your workout days, but also the workouts themselves, allows you to know precisely what to expect when you walk through the gym doors. This can alleviate any hesitation, as well as make the time spent in the gym more efficient. Unknowns lead to doubt. Make the unknown, known.
3. Start your workouts with your favorite exercise of that day.
Once you have a set schedule and set workout plan, begin each workout session with your favorite exercise of that day. Doing so will help lower the amount of motivation required to get started, and gives you something to look forward to. Often getting started is the most difficult part, but once you get going it’s easier to keep going.
4. Set aside a specific workout music playlist for additional motivation.
Research has shown that upbeat music can make exercise feel less difficult, both physically and mentally. By building and setting aside a special playlist for the gym, you’re adding extra incentive to show up—an enjoyable experience to look forward too instead of one to dread.
5. Recruit a buddy to join your workout schedule.
There’s no accountability quite like an accountability buddy. Once you’ve set the ideal workout schedule for yourself, recruit a friend or family member whose schedule aligns with yours. Now you have some added motivation to show up—because someone else will be waiting for you.
As you can see, having a workout schedule is important for a number of reasons. It helps to ensure consistency, provides structure and accountability, improve overall health and well-being, and can improve time management and productivity. By making exercise a regular part of your schedule, you can more easily achieve your fitness goals, improve your health and well-being, and lead a happier, healthier life.
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