What is your routine?

November 6th, 2009 by admin

“It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

We will end the week with a discussion on exercise routines. Do you have a routine, if not one would be helpful. Routine helps to make something a habit. This can be good or bad for your routine can have a positive or negative impact.

My daily routine begins at between 5 or 6am. If it is a day that I swim it is closer to 5. This is because I want to get to the gym about 6am so I can get my swim in while it is not so crowded. I swim 3 days a week and I run 3 days a week.

I do not use an alarm clock as I have been able to wake up at what ever time I want for years. Everyone can do this but it takes mental preparation.

I always work out in the morning because it is easier to establish a pattern and it raises my metabolism first thing so I am energized for hours after. Once you get into the habit of exercising first thing in the morning there is also less chance that you will skip your workout.

After my workout I have breakfast then start my day. There is a difference of opinion as to whether you should work out before or after breakfast. I find that if I workout before breakfast I have more endurance. But, it is said that if you eat first then workout your metabolism is higher and it is easier to lose weight. Another reason I workout before breakfast is that if you eat you should not work out for at least 2 hours after a meal.That gets my day off to a late start.

Besides swimming and running I lift weights two days a week. I also spend 10 to 20 minutes on my rebounder 2 or 3 afternoons as a break from my day.

I have been working out for many years and can really feel the difference when I miss several days. However one thing to remember is not to beat up on yourself if you do miss a couple of days. Just get back to it.

Another thing to think about is that you should only workout a maximum of 6 days a week. If you try to work out seven days a week you will get burned out and you may find it very difficult to remain motivated. Even God took one day off.

The longer you maintain your routine the easier it becomes. After it becomes habit you start looking forward to it. I only started swimming about 7 months ago to diversify my routine. I have fallen in love with swimming and look forward to those days.

TODAY’S TIP: As the saying goes, “keep your eyes on the prize” not on the energy it takes to do your workout. Think about how good you will feel after you have completed your workout.

Do you have trouble keeping to your routine?