Skipping workouts too often? Here's what can help
What's the story
Integrating exercise into your daily schedule can be tough, but habit triggers can help you stick to it.
Habit triggers are cues that lead you to do a particular behavior.
By linking exercise with these triggers, you can make a smooth transition into your workout schedule.
This technique uses the power of habit formation to make exercise a part of your day without much willpower or motivation.
Time trigger
Set a specific time for exercise
Picking a particular time every day for exercising establishes a time-based trigger.
Be it early morning or late evening, sticking to the same time ensures it becomes a routine.
Eventually, your body and mind will start looking forward to this activity at the chosen hour, making it easier for you to get started without any resistance.
Environment trigger
Use environmental cues
Environmental cues are all about setting up your environment to remind you of your workout goals.
Putting your workout clothes next to your bed or having your fitness gear on display are examples of environmental triggers.
These visual reminders act as prompts that nudge you to make physical activity a part of your daily environment.
Habit stacking
Pair exercise with existing habits
Habit stacking is basically pairing new habits with the existing ones.
For example, if you have a morning coffee ritual, try doing some stretches while it brews.
By linking exercise with an established habit, you're more likely to follow through because the new behavior becomes a part of an already-ingrained routine.
Social trigger
Leverage social accountability
Social accountability serves as another potent trigger by bringing others into your fitness journey.
Group classes or an exercise buddy create social expectations and commitments that ensure you show up to workouts regularly.
The fact that someone else is counting on you boosts adherence rates drastically, compared to working out alone.