Routine Rules!

Routine!!

Are you yawning already?? I know that structure and routine can sound a bit boring.

However…… it gets RESULTS.

Your workouts need to be as routine as brushing your teeth. It needs to be part of what you do. You brush your teeth 2-3 times every day, without a thought, it just happens because it’s what needs to be done, and it gets done without question. You don’t stop and ask yourself if you should brush your teeth, you just do it. There’d be nasty consequences if you didn’t do it regularly. Think about your workouts the same way.

I’m sure we can all relate to this – if you don’t schedule in your exercise, and just hope that you’ll fit it in later when you ‘have time’….. There’s every chance that it won’t happen at all. And let’s face it, while we all know exercise makes us feel and look amazing, it’s not a whole heap of fun while we are in the middle of it. So….. if you don’t schedule in something that you don’t consider to be awesome fun, then again, it probably won’t happen.

I have to say I get so proud when I see clients make working out part of their routines, and I’m sure you all find you’re better off when you’re on track , committed and consistent.

I’m going to use our last 6 week challenge winner Kristin as an example here (looking amazing below). Since the start of our last 6 week challenge in Feb/March this year, Kristin has consistently trained Monday night, Wednesday night and Saturday morning. That is her routine, and it means she never misses. It’s part of her week, her husband knows her routine, as do her kids. It also means she’s now super fit, super strong and looking and feeling fantastic!! There’s been no excuses, no bull shit, this is just what she does now. Of course Kristin has missed the odd session due to her boys or herself being sick, etc, but otherwise her routine has been solid! Routine gets results – that’s it.

And ANYONE can do this!! It’s just about locking in a great routine, and sticking to it. If health and fitness is a priority, then it’ll take a lot for you to let the routine slip. Personally, I will move heaven and earth before someone or something upsets my good routine – it’s super important to me, and I know it works!

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Having irregular workouts is just as unhelpful as a sometimes good, sometimes terrible diet. Eating well for 4 days and then letting it slip for the other 3 just doesn’t get results. You need to have a routine with your eating as well. Example: choose a breakfast that you enjoy, one that works for your goals and is nutrient-rich, and eat that every day – or even alternate 2 or 3 of your favourites. Again, making that your routine means you don’t get caught out, you know exactly what you’re going to eat every day and you are prepared for it. You know what you need to buy at the supermarket. You’ll know how long it takes to prepare, all the ingredients you need, what food you need to take if you go out or to work – easy, and no excuses. If you don’t plan your meals and have some structure and routine, then your day could turn to mush quite easily.

I’d be lost without my exercise and food routine. And I’ve done it for so long now that I don’t even have to think about it.

Saying all that, I do understand that once in a while, good routines get mucked up for various reasons – what you need to do is keep on track as much as you possibly can during these times, and get straight back to the plan asap!! However, change in your day doesn’t mean you HAVE to eat badly or miss your exercise. Example – I’ve lost count how many times Mums have said they weren’t able to eat well because it was school holidays?! Rubbish!! Keep planning your meals, schedule your workouts, and nothing needs to change. Sure take your kids to McDonalds for a treat, but who says you have to eat it too??! Be organised, have a plan and you won’t get caught out.

So if you’re not in a good routine right now, write down a plan. Work out what days you can consistently work out, plan your meals for the next week, and make it non-negotiable.

Eating well and exercising can be hard enough when you ARE in a good routine, when you’re not, it’s unlikely you’ll find success.

Feel free to call me boring…. I can take it! Routine gets things done, and gets results!!

Have a well-planned day!! (and don’t forget to brush your teeth!)

Paula