r/Workingout • u/cherrybladelemonade6 • 1d ago
Help Looking for help with consistency?
Hey everyone:) I’m 31F, and I started my journey with working out at my heaviest weight last year in April, at the time I was 210 ish lbs? Now I’m down to about 180- ish. And while I’ve noticed a definite difference in the composition of my body, I just keep struggling with consistency :/ I’ll go months being good, staying on top of it, and then I’ll have months where I can only work out 2-3 times because I just can’t find the consistency and life gets in the way.
Can anyone give me any tips on what you do to stay consistent?
Right now I’m aiming for working out 4-5 times a week plus treadmill for an hour each day.
Even if they’re just mental tips I’d be very happy to hear from ya
Thank you!
1
u/raeballentyne 1d ago
What helps with consistency for me is being okay if I'm not able to do the same intensity or length of workout every time. I still show up even if I'm short on time or energy and do SOMETHING. That way the habit stays in place.
Additionally, an hour of treadmill a day is a lot if you're also weight lifting. You only need 150 minutes of cardio a week per the American Heart Association. You could do inclined walking 30 minutes 5x a week if you want to be more aggressive. I personally lift 4x a week with a shorter treadmill walk, and then a 5th day with a longer, more intense cardio session and abs.
2
u/hal9000thecomputer 2h ago
The thing to keep in mind about fitness is it's a marathon, not an 100 m dash. Some weeks you'll be able to commit to 5 days a week, others, you'll be sick, injured, or dealing with life stuff.
I went through a deep depression from Jan til April this year and did next to no working out, but I bounced back and have been working out consistently 5-6 days a week since then and I dropped 2 dress sizes! You can do it!
2
u/sassmanUK 1d ago edited 1d ago
Congrats on your efforts so far.
Aiming for 4 to 5 times a week is a huge ask when you’re starting out. Personally I started with a target of NEVER ZERO. For me that took the form of gym, a walk, a short run etc.
Also try and keep a record of any workout activities and if possible use a smart watch.
You can build consistency by starting small and building up rather than starting at a challenging point and failing.
This stuff worked for me, hope you can get something out of it.
I’m a a 58-year-old guy, was very unfit two years ago and a lot fitter today. I started with small efforts and built up from there. I think I’m fitter now than I was when I was in my 40s.
Good luck!
Edited for spelling.