Have you ever really wanted to get your workout on, but things always get in the way? Or, have you ever started an exercise routine only to have the regimen fade out of existence after a couple of visits to the gym or the Madison Humphreys Center Apartments fitness center? Work outs take dedication and consistency, but this can be hard in the busy lives that we lead. So, what do you do? Here are a few tips, courtesy of divinecaroline.com that can help  you put the regularity back in your workouts:

1. Always exercise on Monday. This sets the psychological pattern for the week.
2. If at all possible, exercise first thing in the morning. As the day wears on, you’ll find more excuses to skip exercising.
3. Never skip exercising two days in a row. You can skip a day, but the next day, you must exercise, no matter how inconvenient.
4. Exercise several times a week. If your idea of exercise is to join games of pick-up basketball, you should be playing practically every day. Twice a month isn’t enough.
5. Look for affordable ways to make exercising more pleasant or satisfying. Could you upgrade to a nicer or more convenient gym? Buy yourself a new iPod? Work with a trainer? Get a pedometer to keep track of your walking distances? Exercise is a high life priority, so this a worthwhile place to spend some money if that helps.

Exercising regularly takes a hefty does of discipline. I’ve always said that the first step is to close your front door behind you, and make those first steps to your car or in the direction of whatever exercise outlet you’ve chosen. Once you up and out, then you’re more likely to continue. Saying that you’re going to exercise in 10 minutes while watching a show on TV isn’t really the best way to get going.

What’s your workout strategy?

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