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 If one of your goals for the new year is to be mindful of your movement, you will need a solid workout routine. But let's be honest, how many times have you started a workout routine only to give up a few weeks later?

If you're tired of starting and stopping your workout routine, let's change that this year. With these simple strategies, you'll be well on your way to a workout routine you'll love (and, therefore, won't want to skip!).

Pick an Exercise You Actually Enjoy

One of the main reasons people give up on their workout routines is that they don't pick exercises they enjoy. If you've ever forced yourself to go on a run when you really don't want to, then you know what I'm talking about. If you want to create a workout routine you'll stick to, choose exercises you enjoy. If you hate running, don't make it a part of your routine. There are plenty of other activities out there that will get your heart rate up. 

Put it on Your Schedule

If you don't plan for exercise, there's a good chance that you'll end up skipping it altogether. Thus, treating your workouts like any other important task or commitment in your life is important. Whether squeezing them into your daily planner or setting an alarm on your phone, take steps to ensure that you show up for your workout sessions when they're scheduled. By putting exercise at the center of your day-to-day routine that fits in with you and your family, you'll feel more committed and motivated to stay active and reach your goals. 

Read: Balancing a healthy lifestyle as a busy mum

Focus on The Long Term

When it comes to getting in shape, many of us are motivated by one thing: our weight. We strive to lose those extra kilo’s in hopes of getting our pre baby bodies back and feeling healthier overall. But while focusing on losing weight can be effective, it can also lead to frustration and burnout when the progress is slow or nonexistent. Instead of focusing solely on your outward appearance, try honing in on your motivation to get into shape in the first place. 

Focusing instead on how working out makes you feel will make you more likely to stick with your exercise routine even when the results aren't immediately apparent. With time and consistency, your focus will shift from an external goal, like looking a certain way, to a deeper desire for health and vitality. And that's something that no number on the scale can ever measure. 

Find a Workout Partner 

Working out can be more fun (and motivating) when you do it with someone else. Find a friend or family member who has similar fitness goals and work out together. Having someone else counting on you will help keep you accountable and motivated when things get tough. And trust me, things will get tough at some point—that's just part of the process. But if you have someone else working out alongside you, it'll be easier to push through those tough times and stay on track with your goals. 

Join a fitness group or class 

Committing to a class is another great way to stay motivated. It will give you the opportunity to meet like minded women who you will form friendships with. Classes can be found within gyms, community centres, local parks, public pools, independent Yoga or Pilates studios or within Facebook groups. Bonus points if you can find a group with child minding!

Creating a new year's workout routine can be simple and effective. Just follow these simple tips, and you'll be well on your way to reaching your fitness goals in no time. 

If you feel you need extra support and accountability to stick with your exercise routine as well as guidance with nutrition, contact me to find out more about how I can help you in my one on one coaching program