We all know exercise is necessary, but if you don’t like your routine, it’s easy to give up. Let’s talk about fitness routines we’ve been able to stick to, and see if we can inspire each other.
After bouncing around from routine to routine lately, including push-ups and bodyweight workouts and a two week pull-up challenge, I settled on the heavy but simple weightlifting program called Starting Strength. I do it three times a week, ideally during my lunch hour, and then on the other days I either go for a run or do some yard work. (I do a lot more yard work now that I think of it as “sunshine and exercise” instead of “ugh, gotta chop down the weeds again”.) And if the weather is bad, I always have Sworkit.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/01/starting-strength-is-an-awesome-weight-training-program-for-beginners/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/pbkozhrxjpcelpsebhvl.jpg” title=”Starting Strength Is An Awesome Weight Training Program For Beginners” excerpt=”You’ve heard that lifting weights is good for you and makes you stronger, more confident and generally more badarse. But maybe you’re not sure what to do. That’s OK, no one is perfect when they start. If you’re just beginning, there’s the perfect weight training program for you.”]
In just a few workouts, I’ve added 9kg to my squat and my deadlift, so I’m excited to see where this is going. It’s also an easy routine to stick to, because I can do it either at the small gym that’s really close to me, or the YMCA on the other side of town with the amazing weight room. (I make a pilgrimage there every weekend.)
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/03/your-gym-should-either-be-super-close-or-super-nice/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/xwf24an9q6cj0eeyeb0g.jpg” title=”Your Gym Should Either Be Super Close Or Super Nice” excerpt=”Getting into the habit of hitting the gym a couple of times every week isn’t easy, but a new report suggests there are two things that will help get you off the couch. Convenience and quality.”]
So, what have you been doing? Or if you aren’t currently feeling inspired, did you have a good routine in the past? Tell us about it:
- How long have you been doing it? Is it the same thing every time, or have you tweaked it over the weeks/months/years?
- What helped you get started? If someone else was interested in doing what you do, what advice would you give them?
- What keeps you going? Are you playing a team sport where you’re in it for the togetherness? Do you have a marathon marked on your calendar? Are you trying to lose weight? Or do you just keep going because the routine is fun and good for you?
Let us know in the comments!
Comments
One response to “What Exercise Routine Has Been Working For You?”
You are your own gym, together with swimming and heavy dead lifting.
I know this will elicit sighs & growns, but i have found crossfit to be excellent at keeping me motivated & satisfied with my efforts. I have been doing it 3-4 times a week for 2 years, and started doing it when I became bored with normal weight training. It has an equal mix of strength training, olympic lifting, cardio & functional movements that keep every workout interesting. After a few weeks, you start to see real results in your strength & technique that keeps you wanting to go back for more. Even now I see improvements every week & that’s what keeps me going. On top of this, the group culture may not be for everyone, but you are soon drawn in by the community spirit of wanting to achieve your best.
Going with friends definitely helps, as does finding a Box (what a crossfit gym is called) with a culture that suits you. And having coaches with years of proven experience is also key. The functional movements need to be done right or you WILL hurt yourself.