We chatted with Wellness Expert, Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist and Arivale Coach, Meghan Lyle, who shares her tips on how to start exercising, and, more importantly, how to remain driven - no matter the season. Here she shares how we can find new motivations to stay in shape , remain driven and sustain your work out habits no matter the season.
CREATE A HABIT LOOP
You know that saying, ‘it takes 21 days to form a new habit?’ We don’t know if this is an exact science, but “research supports the concept of 'habit loops', in which we engrain a habit with repetition of a pattern,” shares Lyle. “If your goal is to run every day, put your shoes by your bed so you see them every time you wake up. Know that lunchtime is the only place you'll fit in a brisk 30-minute walk? Put it on your calendar and go every day.” By setting a routine, you can help set yourself up for success. That way, you'll think twice before bagging your workout when you know you planned it out so carefully.
MAKE EXCERCISE (MORE) ENJOYABLE
To get (and stay) motivated, you need to set goals and rewards for yourself. Not everyone loves working out. If you can relate, Lyle recommends finding ways to make exercise more fun, like finding a workout buddy, or, if you are into joining teams, try cycling classes, outdoor boot-camp style classes, or barre.
INCORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY
According to Lyle, the last step to sustaining a healthy lifestyle is recognizing that sometimes you just need a little help reaching your goals. There’s a reason that teams/individual athletes employ coaches. Coaches have specialized knowledge that they can impart, they are invested in your progress and even provide a degree of accountability. So, when ramping up a new exercise plan, or shooting for a new goal, it may be the time to consider finding a coach to guide you. All Arivale coaches are Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, skilled in behavioral science. They look at the whole picture to identify barriers, provide proactive accountability, and celebrate your successes to keep you moving towards your goals.
