How To Stick To Your Fitness Routine Year Round

Here in BC we have many rainy and cloudy days. It can definitely be difficult to stay motivated and stick to your fitness routine when it’s dark and dreary, especially after a long day of work. And once you slip out of routine, it’s that much harder to get back to it. 

Since you know that exercise always makes you feel better, it’s best to stick to your fitness routine whenever you can. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated (no matter the season);  with minor tweaks, these tips will work for your other goals, too. 

Tips To Stick To Your Fitness Routine

1. Pre-Schedule Your Workouts. When something is already n your calendar, you’re much more likely to follow through than if you just “wing it”. It becomes a planned priority that you work your other to-do’s around, rather than vice versa. For example, if you attend classes, pre-book as many as you can in advance. If your fitness situation is more “drop in” (like at the gym), commit to certain days and times as if it were an appointment. 

2. Hire a Coach or Trainer. Just like booking your classes in advance, you will have to make appointments that you keep. You’ll also have a bit more skin in the game, as personal coaches are costlier than group classes or gym memberships. Finally, you’ll have a real person on your side, checking in with you on your progress and helping you overcome challenges and stay accountable. 

3. Just Walk. Invest in a good rain jacket and maybe some waterproof shoes, and get out for regular walks. Having a dog certainly helps, but isn’t necessary. My dog never lets me forget when it’s time to go outside! We have a neighbour who works from home (like a lot of us these days), and he takes multiple walks around the block every day. It gives him a break from his computer, keeps him moving, and he gets some fresh air. Then it’s back to work. 

4. Meet a Friend. A fun way to stick to your fitness routine is to workout with others. Make plans to regularly meet with a friend for some social time while you exercise, or join a walk, run, or bike club. Again, accountability from others is a great motivator.

A Big Reason to Stay Active All Year

The more I work in the fitness industry the more I see the importance of staying active for longevity versus a way of looking. When you’re stronger and have better mobility you’ll enjoy doing the small things every day with more ease and less pain (though we all have our aches sometimes). Holidays and outings will be more manageable, and you can keep doing the activities you love to do for years to come. We have a friend whose dad is still playing hockey in his late 80’s! 

My kids are older now, but I want to be able to play with my grandkids if and when that happens; I want to be able to say “yes” to trying new activities; and if I should ever need surgery, I know that being strong, mobile, and flexible will help me to recover faster. 

  Sticking with your fitness routine can help with all these things and more! Exercise increases your dopamine levels, which can help improve your mood and cognitive awareness. That’s definitely a plus on even the greyest of days. So stick with it and keep moving, all year round.