How To Choose Your Workout

By Dominic Zumbrun

Consistently working out is essential to achieving your fitness goals. Finding the right workout routine that fits your personality and lifestyle can really help motivate you. Whether you’re new to working out or just need a change, here are a few suggestions for finding something that works for you.

Assess your fitness level and goalsThe first step to success is to think about your own abilities, current fitness level and what you want to accomplish. Be honest and realistic. You need to workout consistently to get results so selecting a workout with activities you really dislike or one that is way too hard isn’t a good idea. A personal trainer can be a big help here. They will likely be more objective in assessing your strengths and weaknesses and can customize a workout for you. Make sure to track your progress in some way and periodically reassess.

Find a workout that fits your personalityIf you don’t enjoy your workout, it will be easy to make excuses not to do it. A workout that fits your personality and lifestyle can help overcome some of these common obstacles to success.

• Boredom busters – If you’re the kind of person who gets bored easily, aim for variety. Rotating your routines periodically, and going to drop-in classes can help change things up. A schedule that uses different training methods on different days can also be effective.
  
  
• Have a goal – Some people work better with a final outcome in mind. Goal setters can stay motivated by training for a specific event like a 5K or cycling race. Develop a training plan and schedule workouts into your calendar and set reminders on your personal electronic devices to help you stick to the plan. Working in a reward or two can help too.
  
  
• Make it social – For social butterflies, friends make everything more fun. Look for a group fitness activity. Go to a class, join a club or try a team sport. A Zumba class, swim club, or basketball team can help you workout and be social. Having others around can make you more accountable and less likely to give up.
  
  

Find a workout that fits your goalsSomeone that wants to lose weight will need a different workout than someone training for a marathon. Opting for something that fits your particular goals can help you see results set you up for success. Try Zumba or spinning for weight loss, kettlebells or TRX for toning and strength, or yoga for stress reduction and flexibility.

Downtown Athletic Club can help you meet your fitness goals. With personal trainers and fitness classes for all levels it’s easy to get a program that’s right for you.

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