It’s Monday, party people, and it’s time to get moving! Seeing as Sunday is a reset for many, many, many Mamas, Monday should be used to plan, commit and execute your fitness plans. You need to take a few moments today to plan your week, schedule your workouts and commit to moving your body. If you haven’t thought about committing to your workouts for the week…DO IT NOW.
My job? Teach you how. I’m going to take you through the step by step of planning your workouts for the week and some tips on how to actually follow through.
Lindsay’s Guide to Workout Execution:
Step ONE: Plan. Take out your calendar, daytimer, Mommy-calendar, phone or whatever you use to schedule and track what you have on the go for each day. If you’re a pen and paper gal, grab a different colored pen (I prefer hot pink, obviously) than the rest of your calendar. If you organize your life on your computer, change the color of the text to something bold and bright. Can’t do that? Use a different color to block your workouts in your calendar. Oh yes, there’s a way around all of your buts.
Step TWO: Get Specific. In the notes section of your calendar write down the number of workouts you plan on completing throughout the week. Be specific. For example, I’m going to workout 6 times this week. Two workouts will be at least 45 minutes and will include intervals and strength. Three workouts will be intervals and will be at least 30 minutes. My 6th workout is going to be my long run and I will need about 2 hours for that. Whatever you choose, write it all out.
Tip: Not sure what workouts you want to do? Ask someone to do something new and different this week! Doing something new helps keep you on track for the week and takes a bit more preparation. More preparation usually leads to a higher level of commitment
Step THREE: SCHEDULE your workout. Look at your entire week in its totality. Note what days are crazy busy, what days are less scheduled and what days are best for your longer workouts. Now, block the time in your calendar. Again, be specific. Decide what classes you’re going to take and schedule them in your daytimer like you would any other meeting. Not going to a class but going for a run instead? Great. Block that time, as well. You are no longer available to anyone but you, your body and your soul during that time.
Tip: Be sure to include any travel time you may need and/or shower/changing time as part of your scheduled workout time.
Step FOUR: Book into your classes. If you do go to fitness classes (obviously I recommend Hot Mama for your family fitness classes!) that require your to show up at a specific time and “register”…GO REGISTER. Don’t wait to do it, put your name on the list as “COMING” and commit to it. Working out with a friend? Great! Schedule the meeting time and place NOW with him or her and commit to one another.
Step FIVE: Set reminders. If you schedule your workouts using an online calendar, set notifications to remind you at least one hour before your workout is scheduled. I highly recommend you schedule a two hour prior and a one hour prior reminder to your workout. If you’re a pen and paper gal you can schedule emails, texts or other notifications to be sent to you. And yes…reminder are necessary. You’re a busy person and the more you’re reminded of your meetings with yourself, the better.
Alright now Mama, you’re set. You know how many times you’re going to workout. You know how long you need for each workout sesh. You have blocked the time in the calendar. Now comes the tricky part. COMMIT to your plan and follow through. Don’t let anyone schedule over you.
You’re important and so is moving your body. The workouts you’ve scheduled are important for your health, for your fitness, for your soul. There should be little else that takes precedence over the importance of taking care of you.