How to stick to your exercise routine | James Hoile

We all know that incorporating an exercise routine into our schedules is important; working

out regularly will not only keep you looking toned and trim, but will also boost your immune

system and circulation, keep your joints healthy and ensure that your skin stays in great

condition. However, whilst some fitness fanatics, like James Hoile, have no trouble

motivating themselves to go to the gym, others need a little push in the right direction.

If you want to create an exercise routine, the key is to set manageable, specific goals; for

instance, you might plan to work out for a half an hour four times a week or you might decide

to increase your running distance by ten percent every fortnight. Make sure that your goals

are realistic, as setting unachievable goals will only result in failure. In addition to this, a lot

of gym-goers like James Hoile try to make sure that everything they need for their workout is

ready and waiting, when the time comes to go to the gym. So for example, you could get your

workout clothes ready the night before, and leave them in your car, so that you can go

straight from the office to the gym.

A lot of fitness experts recommend that you set up a rewards system for yourself, so that after

a week of exercising, you can enjoy a treat. If you're goal is to lose weight, it's probably best

to use a non-food reward; you could treat yourself to a shopping trip, a massage or a trip to

the cinema. You should also invest in some high quality workout shoes and clothes; whilst

you don't need to spend a fortune, it is worth buying a good pair of trainers, particularly if

you spend most of your gym time on the treadmill. Remember, if you're a regular runner,

your trainers should be replaced every six months or so.

If you're still struggling to motivate yourself, joining a fitness class, or asking one of your

friends to come along as a gym buddy, is a great way to ensure that you keep up with your

exercise routine. It's usually more fun to work out with a friend, or with a group of people;

frequent gym-goers such as James Hoile find that the time seems to go much faster when they

exercise in a group setting.