10 Effortless Steps to Sustain Your Exercise Habits

Biscuits!

As I journey towards my Myo appointment, a sudden pang of realisation hits me like a bolt of lightning. I find myself admitting that I have failed to prioritise the exercises bestowed upon me by my awesome practitioner at CMH. And guys, let's not deny the relatability of this moment - haven't we all experienced such thoughts, questioning our commitment and sage advice provided by health professionals?

Let me introduce you to a concept that you may or may not have encountered before. 

Habit stacking, my friend, is an incredibly powerful technique that can revolutionise your ability to cultivate new habits. It's all about leveraging your existing routines and integrating exercise seamlessly into your daily life.

Let me take you through my 10 step by step guide on how to build habit stacking for exercise. And note. I said effortless in the heading. That got your attention - right? But let’s be honest here, you simply have to put in that hard yakka to improve yourself in this life!

Step 1: CHOOSE an existing habit that's on auto-pilot for you, something you effortlessly do day in and day out. It could be as simple as brushing your teeth, savouring breakfast, or making your bed. Identify a habit that's deeply ingrained within you.

Step 2: ENVISION the exercise habit you want to embrace. Get specific and crystal clear about the type of exercise that needs to be done. Whether it's invigorating pilates or your prescribed rehab exercises. Decide on the frequency and duration that aligns with your goals, or even easier, stick to the plan that your practitioner has provided you. 

Step 3: THE SECRET ingredient lies in choosing a trigger—a catalyst that instantly propels you into action. Handpick a trigger closely linked to the existing habit you CHOSE in step one. Picture this: the moment you complete brushing your teeth, that's your signal to ignite the start of your exercise habit.

Step 4: FORGE an iron clad plan —a roadmap that will guide you towards the accomplishment of your exercise habit. Your practitioner can help with part of the plan. But that hard yakka is on you.  Define the exact steps you'll take, leaving no room for ambiguity. Select the time of day, lay out your workout gear the night before, even pre select the playlist you will use.

Step 5: BEGIN your journey by starting small and building up. If you're new to this method, there's no need to sprint towards the finish line. Choose one habit to habit stack. Master that until you are consistent. 

Step 6: IT’S TIME to put your magnificent plan into motion. When the trigger presents itself, seize the moment and execute your exercise habit with unwavering resolve. By consistently linking the two actions together, you'll etch habit stacking deep into your psyche.

Step 7: MONITORING progress is vital! Keep a record, whether it be a digital habit-tracking marvel, or a calendar highlighted with your triumphant exercise rehab sessions. Visualise your unwavering consistency and enjoy the immense progress you're making. It ignites your motivation, and propels you to success.

Step 8: ADAPT. Life's journey is filled with unforeseen challenges. And it's in those moments we must remain flexible and adaptable. Should the trigger or exercise habit fail to harmonize seamlessly, experiment with alternatives until you find the perfect fit for your unique circumstances.

Step 9: CELEBRATE (Good times, c’mon!) Stay motivated by indulging in well-deserved rewards for your unwavering commitment to your exercise habit. Treat ‘yo self’. These rewards act as positive reinforcements, creating that addiction within you to persist and grow. At CMH, we will cheer you on, every step of the way!

Step 10: DOUBLE P’S. Patience and persistence.. Building a habit is an art, and like all masterpieces, it requires time and dedication. Even on the days when motivation wanes or life throws curveballs, remember that CONSISTENCY is the key that unlocks the doors to success. Embrace the journey.

By following these transformative steps and embracing the magic of habit stacking, you'll effortlessly weave exercise into the very fabric of your daily existence, creating a lasting habit that propels you to better health. The power lies within you, you wonderful CMH community.

By Gracia Morgan.
Inspo: Atomic Habits - James Clear. And Tony Robbins, my friends.