One of the things that makes CrossFIt Prelude the best gym and fitness facility in Richmond, Virginia, is our coaches, personal trainers, and members focus on developing good habits in our members. Below are 7 habits that will help you on your fitness journey.

1. Exercise even if you are short on time. Fifteen minutes of exercise is better than doing nothing at all. A quick intense wp-1476928236103.jpgworkout can be done anywhere, even in the comfort of your home. All it takes is a little creativity to get the juices flowing, and to start you on the path to getting in the best shape of your life. You’ll feel better after, especially if you have been sitting docile at your desk all day, and making excuses as to why you couldn’t get to the gym.

2. Plan to workout ahead of time and stick to it. It’s amazing how we find time for stuff that is unhealthy for us, and Richmond, Virginia is full of things to do every weekday and weekend. A habit filled fitness regime means making the time for your fitness. We aren’t saying you have to do something every day – quite the contrary, we want you to enjoy your life. Plan, at the very least, for 3 days of exercise per week. The other days, you can use your newfound fitness to enjoy yourself.

3. Keep track of your progress. It’s hard to realize how much you are improving if you don’t measure progress. You will find yourself doubting if you are making any gains (especially if you are relying on the worthless scale), if you don’t keep accurate track of what you are doing when you exercise. Keeping track includes monitoring how much stronger you are getting, taking photos to keep track of changes in your body composition, and counting how much you are improving in push ups and sit ups. All this data is valuable to keep you focused on your goals.  At Prelude, we keep track of our athletes’ data for them. Every single workout, from the time you start your journey with us, is logged and tracked. We make it easy, and our members have seen great progress as a result.

4. Vary up your routine. The 3 days a week you workout should not be one isolated exercise. Running is good. . . .BUT running combined with weight training or bodyweight exercises will make you a better runner.  Variance will help you burn more fat, gain lean muscle, and tone up. Variety also does not allow your body to adapt to what you are doing. How long have you been running, or doing the same fitness regime almost day in and day out? Have you plateaued or started to slow down? Change up that routine. Additionally, doing the same thing over and over again is. . . well. . . . boring.

5. Don’t skip a workout because you don’t feel like going. While working out may not always be enjoyable (caveat: at Prelude it is fun), you should motivate yourself to exercise. How many times have you not felt like going to the gym, or a friend had to drag you on a run?  We bet you felt good after.  Don’t frown. . . .Just do it, and love it later.

6. Don’t wait for an occasion to start exercising. New Year’s Resolutions are right around the corner. Your best friend’s wedding is in a couple of months. You have that college reunion you want to look good for. Don’t let an event dictate your health. A healthy lifestyle, complete with exercise, is easy to maintain if you focus on trying to be consistent in your fitness.  Build habits early and stick to them!!!  When your special event pops up, you will be fit and ready to be the talk of the town.

7. Get enough sleep. We are all guilty of saying we “only need 5 hours of sleep a night.” But, your lack of sleep is only detrimental to your overall health. Sleep deprivation causes decreased mental cognition, puts your health at risk, ages your skin (have you seen those bags), and causes weight gain. Try your best to get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night, or as close to it.

These habits are just the tip of the iceberg. Habits are easy to form, and even easier to break. At Prelude we are in the habit of providing you with the tools you need for success. We are here to help, and are only a CLICK away.

Good luck, and continue striving towards your “Beginning of Your Something Better.”

Schedule your free introductory assessment and goal setting session by CLICKING HERE.