You wouldn’t start a project without having a plan of attack, right? Your workout isn’t any different. Having a plan when you step into FitClub can motivate you to power through a hard workout and keep you on track to achieve your healthy goals.
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Why it works.
Taking a few minutes at the beginning of the week to schedule and plan your workouts makes it easier to avoid excuses and keeps you focused on your goals. Putting your workout in black and white not only reinforces your commitment to exercise, but also helps you to keep that time on your calendar available.
Having a plan when you begin your workout will prevent forgetting a move or a set. Instead of wasting valuable time wondering what to do next, a plan allows for you to move efficiently from one machine or weight to the next.
Track your progress. Having a plan for your workout also makes it easier to track your progress. Keep a note of what you did, the time it took, and the speed or weight you used so that at the end of the month, you can look back and see your progress. Not all progress is visible on the scale, and sometimes the far more valuable progress is the result you can see in a training log.
How to do it.
Make a date. At the beginning of the week, use a calendar, your phone, or your to do list to pencil in when you plan to exercise and what you plan to do. Think of your workouts as meetings or dates that you’ve made with yourself, and treat yourself just like you would anyone else, honoring the commitment that you’ve made. Planning ahead also makes it easy to schedule group exercise classes you want to try at FitClub.
Balance your workout. If you have an hour to plan at FitClub, be sure to include portions of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and stretching or yoga for a balanced workout. Thinking ahead and making a plan helps to ensure that you’re hitting all the body parts and systems of the body that need attention during a well-rounded workout.
Be flexible. Taking the time to schedule your workout and write it out ensures that you don’t waste time wandering around looking for the next exercise. Being flexible, though, allows for you to make adjustments when a machine or weight is in use, or if something new piques your interest. Give yourself permission to think outside the box and return to your plan when you need the structure.
Do you plan your workouts? Share your tips or tricks in the comments with your fellow FitClub members!
