How to Make Your Workout Stick

Every year, we receive more information about just how obese America is. In a world of fad diets and life-threatening attempts to lose weight, there is one thing that everyone seems to miss out on. The easiest way to lose weight is to exercise. You can drop your diet down to 500 calories a day, but if you don't burn any then you cannot lose the weight. Now I know what everyone is thinking: I don't have time to workout, I don't like to workout, etc. However, that is in no way true. Everyone has time to workout, and everyone can find something they enjoy at the gym.

When starting any new workout, you should always consult your physician. I am not an expert, I am giving insight into my own experiences. Only you know your own circumstances.

Firstly, one of the easiest ways to make sure that you stick with your workouts is to find someone to go with you. If your friends cannot go, or you can't find anyone -- try joining a class and meeting people there. Don't go without that person, and don't let them go without you. There is a reason that shows like the Biggest Loser are now featuring teams. You work out better when you have motivation.

Secondly, find a source of competition. If you prefer to work out solo, set a goal. If you bring a friend, turn it into a competition. Do not overdo it, but make a plan before you start your workout. If you start your workout under the mentality, I'll quit when I get tired -- you are not doing yourself any favors. Before your feet touch that track decide how far you want to go, and don't quit until you get there. Having a goal makes working out so much easier, because there is that light at the end of the tunnel. There is also that source of internal inspiration.

My number one friend in a workout is internal inspiration. I constantly tell myself during a run, you can do this. You already finished three-quarters of a mile, why can't you do one more quarter. Tell yourself you are stronger than you think you are. What you say internally will be reflected in your workout. Perhaps it is cheesy, but if you think it you really can accomplish it.

Do NOT over work yourself. You cannot meet your weight loss goal in a day. One of the number one reasons why people give up is because they hurt themselves or wear themselves out. You should be tired at the end of a workout. You should feel that you worked your muscles out. You should not feel like you need a hospital bed now. When you workout it is very important to stretch before you begin. No one is that good, to run a mile without stretching and not face some repercussions. We are fragile beings, do not push yourself too hard. Your body has it's breaking point. Bring yourself close to that point, but if you really hurt yourself you will not accomplish anything. Strains and sprains will require rest and you will be further behind than when you started. Also, hurting yourself is the fastest way to make yourself give up. So stretch and be careful.

Bring something to distract yourself with. When you stare at a counter or a clock for the entire time, the workout will feel like it lasts forever. Bring an mp3 player or a magazine. The old saying is, "Time flies when you are having fun." By bringing something you enjoy, such as your favorite cd, you do not consciously realize how much time has passed. Most treadmills have timers and will let you know when you have reached your goal. If you do choose to bring your mp3 player, invest in over-the-ear headphones. Nothing is more frustrating than having to put your headphones back in every 5 seconds.

Drink water, and eat bananas. Going back to the idea that if you hurt you won't want to continue, muscle spasms are caused by a lack of hydration/potassium. When you drink plenty of water, which your body needs anyways, you are much less likely to feel the pain at the end of a workout. You should not be limping out of the gym. Additionally here is a note about potassium. Unless you have been specifically told by a doctor that is alright to take potassium supplements -- DO NOT. Potassium does not just affect muscle spasms. Vitamin overdoses are possible, and especially if you have problems with kidney functions you should not take potassium supplements. In any case, make sure you bring plenty of water. You should not be thirsty at the end of a workout. Keep in mind that if you do not take care of your body, it will not take care of you.

Find a workout that YOU enjoy. Everyone thinks you have to be on a treadmill to lose weight, and that is not true at all. The easiest way to make a workout work, is to do something you will enjoy. There are several different things you can take part in: from swimming, dancing, kick-boxing, sports, etc. Have fun and enjoy your workout time. If workout becomes a chore, you will avoid it. You should enjoy what you are doing, and you may find secondary benefits of your activity. Kick-boxing for instance is a great source of anger relief. Whatever you do, do it and have fun. If you love it, you will live it.

Finally, make a workout schedule, and allow yourself reward days. No one should start out with the goal of going every single day. Everyone needs a day to relax. Turn that day into a reward for all of your hard work. Take advantage and relax. Go out and have fun and enjoy the fruits of all of your labor. After all, what's the point in improving yourself if you never enjoy the improvements.