6 STEPS TO ESTABLISHING A REALISTIC FITNESS PLAN

The trial month of 2020 is over and as we wave goodbye to January, it’s time to remember those resolutions before they become a distant memory. Now that the January excitement has died down, the gym won’t be as busy and you can now establish a fitness plan (and stick to it).

A fitness plan doesn’t mean spending 3 grueling hours at the gym every single day with one of those hours devoted to the treadmill. A fitness plan needs to be something you’re excited about and motivated to keep up with, that’s how to remain consistent. 

No matter your goals or the plan you decide to use, 2020 is definitely the year for you to smash some goals!

Why you need a fitness plan

We’ve all seen the fitness fanatics on Instagram who love to sell their online fitness plans and as much as they try and force you to believe that you simply cannot workout without one – there is a little method behind the madness. 

Having a plan means you’re more likely to stick to something and you’re more likely to succeed. 

Firstly, I think it is amazing that you’ve made the decision to get active and well done for taking that first step but failing to have a plan when starting a new lifestyle can result in burnout from lack of results. In the end, you’re more likely to quit so it’s time to change the narrative you’ve grown used to. 

How to establish a fitness plan

First things first, we are not here to tell you what to do, you need to find exactly what works for you, this is just a guide to get you started and remind you that having a plan is the key to success. 

1. Be realistic with your scheduling

We would all love it if we could workout every single day for over an hour but at the end of the day, for most of us, this isn’t possible. 

I remember when I was in university, I found it so easy to make it to the gym but as life goes on, we get busier and our schedules quickly fill up with meetings, deadlines, projects and commitments (social or otherwise). 

Which is why it is essential to create a schedule that you can stick to so start out with fewer days and gradually increase them as you develop a new routine or simply keep it to 2-3 days a week and move it around to suit you. 

It is YOUR schedule and you don’t need to feel guilty about it. 

2. Find something you enjoy

Standing in the weights section at the gym isn’t for everyone – and that’s okay! If you want to master the weight section though, this could help you.

Start trying different things out and see what works for you. Go for a run, join a yoga or boxing class or sign up for the gym. If you find something you hate, move on from it, there is no correct way to exercise and if you do something you hate, you’re more likely to give it up because let’s be honest, I’d rather lay on the couch than endure an hour and a half of running.  

3. Set goals

Your goals don’t have to be based on appearance (although they certainly can be, if that’s what you’re looking for). Exercise is wonderful for both your mental and physical health too.

Take a step back and identify what you want to gain from becoming more active and write them down. Make sure you refer back to these goals every now and then to make sure you’re staying on track and just to give yourself a little reminder of what you want to achieve.

4. Start slow

One mistake you can make is going too hard on your first day. Getting active is exciting and you might want to jump in full force but by going too hard too soon, you risk injuring yourself or making your muscles so stiff that you wouldn’t want to do it again!

5. Give yourself a break

Perfection doesn’t exist and it’s so easy to get swept up in everyday life and end up missing a day or two. It’s perfectly normal and doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

All you need to do is make up for it the next time you can fit a workout in. 

6. Get an accountability buddy

You might be motivated to workout but actually doing it can be a little difficult (we know the struggle). This is when having an accountability buddy comes in handy! Find a friend or family member that you can rely on to help keep you motivated and ready to smash your goals. You both can help one another make it to the gym more often than not. 

This is merely a little plan to help get you started, once you’ve figured out the above, it’s time to plan your workout routines (you can look here for some inspiration!). 

Getting out of the mindset of what society deems necessary and remembering your capable of anything you set your mind to is the beginning to a successful fitness routine that you can stick to! 

Oh, and by the way, if you want a 12-week training plan that really works, then have a look at our Better Body Blueprint. It’s packed with healthy and simple meals, effective workouts and tried and tested advice.