How to build self discipline at the gym: ways you can start working out consistently

Finding the courage to have a consistent workout routine as a beginner is actually really hard. Those who always say, at the start of the year they will make it their mission to go to the gym but never do, this post is for you. Developing that final push that gives you the motivation can take a lot of time and those people that go 3 times or more a week can actually shock you. Well, you can become one of those people too. Absolutely anybody can create a good, efficient and consistent workout routine if they try, so here are some of my top tips for that final push on how to keep a consistent workout schedule…

Starting off Small

Your first time working out or going to the gym, admittedly can be quite scary. There are so many things that can be intimidating like; seeing all the weekly gym goers trying their hardest, it being busy and not knowing where to place yourself, not being sure what weights to pick up as you’re not 100% sure of your limits. All of these things leave with time, as the first step is to go and have a good time. Even if it’s walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes or doing a light pilates workout in the stretch zone. Know that, it’s perfectly okay to build up your confidence while you’re there. The key is to get your body moving with a light workout building momentum as you go and then, only when you are comfortable, you can test your limits.

Understanding what works best for you

It can be easy to adopt habits from others that you see perhaps online or at the gym. However, this was my first mistake, as I tried to perfect my own routine by looking at what others were doing when I needed to understand what I liked and disliked and what felt right for me. Understanding that others are in the same boat and maybe they’re first starting out too, is key. You can easily fall into the trap of copying an online workout routine that isn’t the correct form to help what you’re personally aiming for. My simple advice is; to know what your own goals are, educate yourself and find credible and reliable sources of information and then start from there by creating your own routine .

Building Momentum & The Importance of a Weekly - Split routine

It’s all too easy for me to say just ‘create your own routine’ and I know you’re all asking; “well how do I do that?” which is a very good question . . .

Many use a ‘weekly - split’ routine that helps you to build consistency and momentum to allow you to actually enjoy your workout, and to save time when you’re not sure what exercises you need to do next. This is when you choose a specific muscle group to workout on separate days and then give yourself time for rest days. Everyone’s weekly workout split routine is different for them yet many studies show that the full body split is the most effective; that is working out upper body and lower body on different days between rest and then implementing cardio or lower impact training on other days. I know most of you may be wondering; ‘How can I plan this?…’ using a weekly planner or to-do list has been proven to work best for some however you can also follow along onto an already made fitness programs as there are many out there!

Creating consistency in your routine - the GYM BASICS -

Organising your weekly split routine is only the first step to ensuring you create consistency and repetition within your routine next to enhance this have a specific number of sets and reps you like to do for each exercise, this allows you to create balance, test what your limits are, and gives you that push to create new goals and intentions for your future self. Even when doing this, creating this consistency can still be difficult, many personal trainers advise having accountability on yourself or someone else as making promises for yourself or too someone else that you will achieve a certain goal will certainly help your progress. Show up for this promise and stick to it, of course, this is easier said than done yet so many fitness and mindfulness coaches state the mere importance of discipline and showing up not just for yourself yet for others too.

How to get inspiration to stay motivated

Creating a solid, repetitive and consistent routine can get boring for some and it can perhaps feel too organised. To keep motivated, maybe try to change things up once in a while. Maybe take your partner or friends to the gym and learn from their routines, mix up your weekly split routines every week so you’re not doing the same thing every week, or create new and exciting meals for yourself to give you that extra push to build muscle, or even follow the right content online or in your personal life to motivate and keep you going when you don’t feel like showing up 100%. As John Rohn famously says; “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” sometimes it’s not motivation which keeps you going, Yet the perseverance, whenever you are struggling or don’t want to show up for yourself.

Getting back on track if you ever fall off

Discipline maybe the most important thing that many miss when first starting out at the gym. However, there is a need to remind yourself that whenever you do fall off routine or simply find it hard to keep balance and maintain your routine, change and consistent growth are the most important. when you’re consistent at something that you know simply isn’t working out for you, it is always okay to alter and pivot your micro habits, routines and exercises.

“Everything is hard before it is easy.” ~ Goethe