Keeping Fitness Simple Keeps it Fun!

By Janet Luhrs, www.simpleliving.com

Don’t you hate it when you really, really want to get to the gym, or go for a hike or long walk – anything – but your crazy, complicated life gets in the way? I know how it is. Sometimes I can let months go by and all of a sudden I realize I’ve totally fallen off of my workout routine. But when too much time has passed, we all know what’s next – it’s almost impossible to get your lazy rear off the couch. So try something that’s worked for me – keep your workout simple. 

First of all, check your complex attitude at the door. Are you always striving for the perfect conditions, or the perfect set? Do you feel compelled to hit all body groups on a regular schedule each week, week in and out?  You may be a workout perfectionist and that attitude may be killing your joy.

Here are some suggestions to keeping your focus and fitness simple and enjoyable:

• Keep your gym or weight training regime to less than 10 exercises. This reduces the pressure to hit it all and keeps your ability to succeed. Check out this great YouTube video for a simple, 15-minute full body workout! 
• Be flexible. You don’t have to stop working out just because you leave town. Here are a few simple exercises that you can do anywhere, any time with no equipment.
• Another of my favorites is the classic 7-Minute workout that I read about in the NY Times several years ago. You can now get the app and do it anywhere.
• Make sure your workout schedule fits your life and your personality.  If you are not a morning person and find yourself dreading your morning workout, change up to after work.
• Involve your significant others. If your relationships are strained and you are spending incredible amounts of time at the gym or running, then consider including your family in your workouts.
• Change things up and get explosive. Plyometrics are high intensity movements that push up your heart rate as well as challenge major muscle groups. Ditch some of your regular routine and adds these for something new to spice it up!
• If you are not seeing results, check your diet. It is said that getting fit is 85% diet, so if you are working out faithfully 3-5 times each week and not seeing results, your nutrition plan may be too complex. This one is just for 28 days to jump start things. Let us know what you think.

There is no one right way to get fit.  Having a plan that is sustainable for YOU and YOUR life is the key to success. The task is to choose what works for you and to stick with it. Let us know what you do to keep your workouts fun and simple and get out of the doldrums.

Don’t worry, be happy, and get fit!

Featured photo source: Pixabay.com.