Three Steps to Creating Your Own Fitness Plan
One of the main things I struggle with is planning. Whether I am planning meals for my family or planning time to work out, I find that the hardest part for me is the planning. In the past, when I made a plan, something unexpected came up and then I felt disappointed in myself when I didn’t follow through.
To combat these issues I resorted back to my journalism days. I started thinking about what kind of story I want my life to be. The outline of my story was one that has me being happy, fit, eating delicious nutritious foods, and living a long fulfilled life.
STEP 1: Ask Yourself Questions
With my story laid out, I needed to figure out how to achieve my fitness goals. Like with most stories, I started asking myself some simple questions.
- How much time can you devote each week to your fitness plan?
- What workouts do you enjoy?
- What time of day do you like working out?
- Is there someone that can help you achieve your goals?
- What do you want to achieve from your fitness plan?
STEP 2: Make a Plan
With the information I found from answering those questions I realized that:
- I can spend about an hour each day on my fitness plan.
- I enjoy running and yoga, both only taking about an hour each day.
- The best time for me is after I get off of work, since I am not a morning person.
- Yes, my husband and my friends at InDependent are there to support me.
- I want to be a happy, healthy person from the inside out.
This led me to find more information about running areas near my house and yoga options, both of which would only be an hour in duration. Living near a beautiful park helped me easily find a safe running location. I also found that I can do yoga at home by watching videos online or I can take classes at a local studio. I ended up finding classes taught at a studio that work with my schedule and on the days I couldn’t make it to a class I planned on running or opting for yoga at home.
With my activities selected I knew that I could take an hour at least every workday after work to either run or practice yoga. This gave me enough time to still make dinner and enjoy time with my spouse.
STEP 3: Put Plan Into Action
This may sound like an obvious step, but it is often the hardest. The best way I have learned to do something is to tell someone about it. For example I told my husband that my goal earlier this year was to be able to run a mile without stopping. When I accomplished this goal he was excited for me, but then he asked me what my next goal would be. Keep updating your plan so that your goals keep challenging you.
If you ever need someone to help push you along, the InDependent team is a great source. I have gone to them several times for encouragement or to join them in fitness challenges. You can do the same. I mean everyone needs a workout battle buddy. Right?!
If you need more information on how to start making your fitness plan, try these links below from Greatist.com. They helped me get into the mindset I needed to make my plan.
How to Make a Workout Plan (And Stick To It!)
The Complete Guide to Interval Training
What is your fitness plan? How did you start your fitness plan? Share your recommendations in the comments below.