Ways to Develop Better Workout Habits That Stick

FOLLOW THESE TIPS AND YOU’LL END UP MAKING EVERY RIDE—AND CRUSHING IT, TOO

Workout habits

LWA/Larry Williams

When it comes to developing solid habits working out, most people find it easy to try out a new strategy or two, especially if it promises to improve performance or to boost motivation. But making it stick? That’s the tough part. These are the best ikaria lean belly juice reviews.

There’s debate on how long it actually takes to develop new habits. Some experts claim a specific number of days—usually between 21 and 28—to turn a behavior into a habit, but studies conclude that everyone is different, and it may take months to get into the “set it and forget it” mode.

What makes it faster? Finding workout behaviors that work for you, and can be done consistently enough to turn into a habit. Here are 30 worth considering.

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Sleep more

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Get enough sleep

This isn’t exactly a groundbreaking hack, but it’s worth repeating over and over as advice because restorative sleep is crucial for workout performance, as well as for giving you the type of consistent energy you need to form better habits, according to Hannah Dove, DPT, CSCS, at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. She advises for seven to nine hours, especially on the night before a tough workout.

Clear your mind

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Clear your mind before bed

To get the restorative sleep you need, ditch the blue-light-heavy screens so that you can fall asleep faster, but also take 10 to 15 minutes to let your brain rest after a busy day, says Dove. Not only can this help you mentally wind down quicker, but it will get you in the habit of being able to clear your head when you need it.

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Meditate in the morning

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Meditate in the morning

Meditation teacher Light Watkins, author of Bliss More suggests meditation first thing when you wake up—even before your coffee. Unlike the evening wind down, a regular morning meditation practice gets you energized, and makes it easier to feel motivated for what’s next, Watkins says.

Write down your workout

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Write down your workout

Whether you do it the night before or in the morning, get specific about what exercises you’ll be doing for your workout, suggests Dove. To make this more effective as a habit, write out your plan at the same time each day.

Related: Find 52 weeks of tips and motivation, with space to fill in your mileage and favorite routes, with the Bicycling Training Journal.

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Set a schedule

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Set a schedule

Although the word “routine” is associated with boredom and repetition, creating a regular schedule can be anything but yawn-inducing. It takes calendar juggling out of the equation, Dove says. You come to expect a workout at that specific time, which means it becomes habitual.