Tips to Help You Stick to Your Workout Plan
Step one of a successful workout routine: walk through the gym front door. When you consistently get to the gym and maintain the discipline necessary to sustain a regular full body workout, you’re much more likely to achieve the results you desire. Whether you want to lose weight, get stronger, look more toned, improve your health, or all of the above, here are some tips and tricks to help you stick with a weight loss workout plan:
1. Find an activity you enjoy.
It’s much easier to maintain a workout plan when it involves an exercise you love. Luckily, there are a range of activities you can incorporate into your workout routine on the Curves circuit or MyCurves On Demand, including those that work on strength, balance, cardio, and flexibility. When you’re not able to make it to the gym, you can supplement with hiking, biking, swimming, and other things you enjoy doing. No matter how you spend the time, aim to devote a minimum of about 30 minutes a day to your workout plan.1
2. Select your gym wisely.
A big part of finding an activity you love is finding a space where you enjoy doing it. Not all gym programs are created equally, so you may have to do some trial and error before you discover the gym that best fits your personality and workout style. Before you sign up for a membership, visit a few fitness clubs. Look around and take it all in. Pay attention to availability of equipment, cleanliness, and overall vibe. If something doesn’t resonate with you, move on. When you visit a Curves, you’ll notice a gym designed for women with a supportive and friendly environment. You’ll be surrounded by members and coaches, real women – just like you, cheering each other on towards their health and fitness goals. The safe and effective equipment leaves the fear and guesswork behind. Just hop on any machine and start your 30-minute total body workout. And, if you prefer and at-home workout that can be done anytime, anywhere, talk to your Curves coach about MyCurves On Demand.
3. Get a good night’s sleep.
This might sound like a no-brainer, but we all need a reminder now and then. To sustain your energy level throughout the day and keep it high enough to not only get you to your women’s fitness club, but to push you through a tough full body workout, you need to sleep well the night before. The National Sleep Foundation recommends you sleep seven to nine hours each night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try the following:
- Keep the temperature in your room between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit
- Try using a white noise machine or fan
- Stick to the same general sleep schedule, even on the weekends
- Avoid caffeine after 2:00 pm2
4. Eat a healthy breakfast
Energetic women tend to be busy, but a full schedule is no excuse for skipping the most important meal of the day, especially if you plan to hit a women’s fitness club. To keep your energy levels up for the entire day—and to sustain you through your gym workout plan—eat a balanced breakfast that includes whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy, lean protein, and a small amount of healthy fat. For guidance on how to build a balanced plate, check out choosemyplate.gov.3
5. Go to your gym with a friend.
Not only is engaging in your workout with a buddy more fun, it makes you more likely to stick with it. In one study of 100 people, social support was an important factor in determining whether they stuck with a year-long workout routine. To build an even bigger support network, incorporate a few Curves classes into your workout plan.4
6. Prepare for a full body workout the night before.
The fewer roadblocks you have between you and your gym workout, the more likely you will be to do it. Get ready for your workout routine the night before, mentally and physically. Picture yourself going through the circuit and lay out comfortable workout gear you can easily slip on if you exercise in the morning, or bring with you if you hit the circuit toward the end of the day. Also pack healthy snacks that will sustain your energy throughout the day; good options include a small bag of air-popped popcorn, berries, granola with low-fat yogurt, or a banana or apple with peanut butter.5
7. Join the Curves community.
Curves women’s fitness club has revolutionized gym workouts for women. When you become a Curves member, you’ll add to your list of reasons to stick with your workout plan. Curves workouts are only 30 minutes, but the benefits are long-lasting. And a Curves membership will give you the tools and support you need to reach your goals—including one-on-one meetings with your Curves coach—to lose weight, become more active, get stronger, improve your health, or a combo.
Your Curves Coach is there to lead you through every gym workout. With your Curves Coach success is within reach. Visit ‘Why Curves’ to find out more about Curves women’s only gyms and our full body workout on the Curves Circuit, or find your local Curves and sign up today!
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