Routine Sustainability

Routine Sustainability: Fitness Maintenance Plan

If you already are in shape and are looking for help to stay in shape, this is the article for you. Fitness routines can get to be quite boring and bog you down. In this article I will offer a number of strategies to help you get enjoyment out of your discipline; as well as make it a little easier.

There are many components to a successful fitness plan; in which you will not only get in shape but stay in shape. Some of these are variety, peer support, and pace. Let's start with peer support. Peer support is especially beneficial to those trying to maintain their fitness level. Your local area is likely to be a bountiful resource of people like yourself- if you connect with these people they can help you greatly. Some ways of connecting with others looking to stay in shape are joining a sports league or taking either a fitness or martial arts class, weight watchers is also a good option. There are also clubs you can join such as cycling and tennis club. You will not only be getting peer support participating in martial arts or sports but you will be working less and playing more while maintaining your fitness. If possible, you should have a training partner as well. It will help motivate you to get out and exercise having another person who depends on you.

The next component of my maintenance plan is variety. Variety is the spice of life and should be incorporated in to your routine. You could do this by having both strength and cardio exercises. You could also get a gym membership, they have tons of equipment and you should be able to try new things often. Spending time outdoors doing a variety of exercises is a great way to stay in shape. You may want to do a lot of hiking or biking, or maybe kayaking is your thing. On those rainy days you might want to exercise in the privacy of your own home. Owning an exercise tape or a favorite piece of equipment is a good idea.

The final component of my fitness maintenance plan is pacing. To maintain your fitness level you should spend about three days a week doing physical activity that pushes you a little. You should be breathing a little heavier than when at rest and sweating as well. This may be a brisk walk for some of you, for others it is running or lifting weights. On days that you don't work out you should still get out for a leisurely walk or at least do a set of push-ups. Lastly and maybe most importantly in your quest to not get burnt out on exercise is diet. Diet is altogether a different approach to being in shape and will lighten your workload tremendously.