Nothing comes easy in the fitness world. It all takes planning, commitment and staying disciplined for results

Typically, a man who takes on a fitness program is looking at getting himself into shape, put on a bit of muscle and work on the belly, while the ladies are generally looking at reducing body fat levels, wanting to look leaner, becoming stronger and fitting into a favourite piece of clothing. You get my drift. For the younger gents it’s usually the need to own a heavy bench press or have cannonball arms similar to Mr Olympia. With a realistic approach some of these goals are achievable, however it all takes some planning, consistency and a disciplined approach for results.

For others who are already fit and healthy the allure of an event tends to appeal. Maybe you have thought entering a fun run or marathon? Maybe you just want to be able to win a friendly bet with a friend and do something silly like enter an obstacle course or trail run. For some it might just be a function like a wedding or significant birthday that you want to go out there and shine. All still possible. Once you commit, stay consistent you will eventually develop a more disciplined approach to workouts and achieve the results you want.

Getting started 

Once you begin a fitness regime and are super keen on busting out that run or weight session what happens after a few weeks, or maybe a day or two later? Do you just say I’ll get it done when the time comes, do you get up at 6am in the morning for that chilly run or after a heavy day at work with no lunch and head to the gym at 6pm?

If that’s sounds like a plan and you stick to it, you understand that staying disciplined for results goes a long way in reaching a goal. Without a disciplined approach to your fitness, you won’t get far. While the consequences of being inactive aren’t immediate, this is where sedentary habits build up to the point where you question yourself, how did this happen?

I’ve outlined a small hit list that will guide you into setting yourself up be more motivated and reach your fitness goals. Try these ideas and get more disciplined with exercise:

Make exercise a habit

Part of being disciplined is firstly creating a habit. You may not want regularly floss your teeth, but you do it anyway because it’s the norm. Grabbing that long macchiato at your favourite cafe is a pleasant routine. Planning your food week should be a habit for any active individual. As is having a workout plan on your chosen activities. You will know on the day what you have to do and have allocated the time. Makes life easier. After a while it becomes your regular routine that you are committed too. Over time you become disciplined and achieve those results.

Understand the consequences of not making exercise a habit is just as important. You already know what happens if you don’t brush your teeth, cavities, gum disease, painful dental experiences, etc. But what are the consequences of not exercising? Make a list of all the things that could happen to your body and mind without exercise. Possible weight gain, feeling fatigued at work, disliking any activity or too tired to play with kids. All interfering with you feeling better and potentially looking your best.

Find a buddy or get some assistance. A friend will keep you motivated, committed and disciplined for results

One sure way to show up for your workout is to have someone waiting for you. If possible, find a training buddy that will keep you company. This will keep you both accountable and make the session more enjoyable. During my younger years I mostly trained by myself in the gym. It was when I joined a combat sports club that working out with others was actually fun. I see a lot of people around my suburb who walk with another. They seem to be happy and I’m sure they clock up a decent number of steps and exercise time. A great way to catch up with a local friend or family member.

Alternatively, for those in a gym environment, hire a personal trainer. They will keep you motivated and accountable for your workouts while ensuring you have a safe and effective technique as you work out. Having any support will make exercise more enjoyable and keep you on track. Finding a likeminded training partner takes time as you have to have the same approach to workouts and be available to consistently workout around the same time.

Being disciplined for results just doesn’t happen. You have to start somewhere

Don’t feel like working out? Promise yourself you’ll turn up ready and start by doing a warmup. If after 10 minutes you still don’t want to work out, you can quit and go home. I bet you won’t. The majority of the time, once you start you keep going and feel better for it. With consistency and practice this will get easier, and you won’t even give it a thought. Maintain the focus on the benefits. You will feel better, move better and look your best. When it comes to matters of health and fitness understanding discipline and actually following through post that initial enthusiasm saves you a lot of time in reaching any fitness and health goal.

Reminding yourself of what you’re getting out of your workout will motivate you to get started. From here a committed and consistent approach will keep you disciplined in achieving your goal. Without it expect to take a little longer or for some giving up. Unfortunately, we all have to deal with it one way or another so let’s accept it and move on. It’s not easy, but worth it. Take your time in finding what approach works for you.

Slow and progressive seems to work. Start now and don’t leave it till alter. From there on it’s all about putting it together.