Friday, November 4, 2011

Fitness Friday #11- Routine is Everything

This may not be true for everyone, but many of the people who pursue a healthy lifestyle (myself included) claim that routine is everything when it comes to staying in shape. If you've tried to make changes in the past that didn't last, establishing a solid routine might help you stick with it.

A Brand New Day
Image source

In the health world, so many people swing violently back and forth between drastic measures and giving up completely. I think the perfect way to avoid this is to draw out a sensible routine for yourself and stick with it for the long haul. It's easier to hold yourself accountable for staying true to your plan if you actually HAVE a plan.

I'll tell you a little bit about my routine, but please keep in mind that everyone is different and it's okay if yours looks nothing like this. Basically, I work out 5 days a week with a combination of cardio and weight training. When I was losing weight, I did 45 minutes of cardio (power walking on the treadmill or a brisk jaunt on the elliptical) paired with weight training on two different muscle groups, which I switched up daily. So my routine might be 45 minutes on the treadmill followed by an ab workout and a thigh workout. Then the next day I might do the same cardio but finish by working my back and calves. While it's good to have a routine, you do need to vary your target areas so your body doesn't get too tolerant of the exercises you're doing.

RAWR
RAWR

Now that I'm trying to maintain my weight, I'm still working two muscle groups but I've cut my cardio down to 30 minutes a day and I've been at my current weight for over 3 years. The days off are important- it's how I've been able to maintain this routine for as long as I have without getting sick of it. In fact, I look forward to it. If you get a good routine going, it's easy to work it into your life because you come to expect it. I've heard many people say they don't have time to work out. I understand it can be difficult to clear an hour out of your day, but if that hour is spent making you feel better the rest of the day and adding years to your life in the long run, I'd say it's worth it.

What is your ideal routine?

15 comments:

JUST ME said...

Look at those adorable guns!!

I work out about 5 - 6 days a week and switch it up with classes (usually cardio classes and weight classes). They help me work harder than I sometimes want and also tone areas that I'd rather not...like my core...which is...sadly...my weakest link.

Bad Joan said...

definitely a fan of the routine and nothing drastic. half hour walk 3 to 4 times a week!

GTBB,
http://badjoan.blogspot.com
http://cookingjoan.blogspot.com

Christie Cottage said...

Looking good!!!


Loving the tatt!


(Come enter my giveaway.It is cool and I think you'd like it coz you are cool!)

DancingMooney said...

Gorgeous arms Holly! ♥

My routine is mostly walking and trying to have good eating habits, but I am not perfect about sticking to a schedule. For me it's all about the weather and what I need to get done each day. If I don't have time to walk, I'm happy to put on some music that makes me move and just get my blood flowing for a bit... then I stay on my feet and get more work done. ha! :)

-blessed holy socks, the non-perishable-zealot said...

You're quite adorable, missy. Lemme kiss your adorable feets in Heaven. God blessa youse -Fr.Sarducci, ol SNL

wdn th said...

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wdn th said...

i am a new fashion blogger from indonesia living in singapore :) i really like your blog. i will really appreciate & it will be an honor to have u as my blog member.

and of course i will folback!:D also, u can mention me anytime on twitter @tiodang if you want me to check out your latest post & leave a comment ^^ ,please list me on twitter, so i will know u're my follower!! ;)

i've just recommend your post to google!u can check it! that's what u got if you keep in touch with my blog too!! hope u will do the same ^^
u can contact me at : cheeringwinda@yahoo.com

alexkeller said...

i started going to the YMCA right after i drop off my son at school. i go with another mom, so we hold each other accountable. i started trying to make it on the weekends, too, because something always happens during the week & i might miss a day.

i'm working on losing a few more pounds, so i'm doing 30 - 60 minutes of cardio 5 days a week & pilates 3 times a week. i still need to add weight training!

Home Sweet Texoma said...

Love your fitness tips Miss! I gave you an award over at my blog:
http://mockingbirdln.blogspot.com/2011/11/liebster-blog-award.html

Amy Perrotti said...

I agree routine is everything. I feel crazy stupid when I get out of my exercise routine, put off getting back into it, but then once I do I feel great! I'm happy to say I'm in it right now and hopefully for the long haul. :)

Unknown said...

I don't really have a routine but I walk alot and watch what I eat

carrie

Unknown said...

I work out 4-5 days a week. Putting my work out clothes on as soon as I get up and hitting the trail first thing insures that it will get done and I will feel good all day long! ;)

When I put it off until later, chances are it won't happen and then I'm mentally kicking myself!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Due to being under the weather, I haven't worked out in almost a month. It's driving me crazy! You have an awesome routine!

Aik said...

Impressive indeed, Holly! I practice speed walking twice a week. It helps me to burn the extra calories. :)

Lemon Shortbread said...

Good good, keep up your routine! I am one of those who gives that 'too busy to work out' excuse lol