It Takes 66 Days to Learn a New Behavior: Make it The Gym
OK, 66 days sounds like a lot. But is it really that much in the grand scheme of life? Absolutely not. If you’re adding new and positive habits to your life and it only takes 66 days compared to the endless benefits, we’d say that isn’t bad going.
And what’s one positive habit people wish they had but don’t? The gym. Read on to learn how you can dedicate 66 days to making the gym a habit for life.
Making a New Behavior Stick
It starts with clearly setting what you want your new behavior to be. Begin by setting goals for your workouts. Whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscles, improving cardiovascular health, or just being happier, a targeted goal could help you stay concentrated and inspired.
The key is breaking down this goal into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, a beginner in the gym might start their journey with short, easy-to-do exercises, a simple walk on the treadmill lasting no more than twenty minutes, or body weight training involving light workouts.
You don’t need to go in all guns blazing. Start small and work your way up. The habit you’re looking to build is actually going to the gym – you can work on the rest later.
Naturally, seeing results will make a habit stick faster. Commitment, diet, and knowing where to find the best supplements like Canadian steroids online will get quicker results. You have to feed your body right as well as train right.
Making The Gym a Habit
Turning visits to the gym into a habit requires consistency and routines. Pick particular days of the week for your workout plans and stick with them until they become part of who you are. Consistency is key – going three times a week for three weeks will start to get you into a routine. It might not be a new behavior for life after three weeks, but the routine is there.
Don’t forget a positive atmosphere while at the gym. Motivation is all about a positive mental attitude. Find a gym where you are comfortable and have equipment and classes that match your training style. Most gyms have all the standard gym classes.
What Not to Do
There are many strategies for ensuring success, but there are also common mistakes to avoid making in the process. Unrealistic expectations are one major mistake people make when setting goals for themselves. Feeling frustrated and disappointed is a possible result when you expect huge change within a short time frame. Instead, focus on small victories along the way and gradual improvements.
Overtraining is another common error. Although it’s good to be enthusiastic, overexerting yourself may cause burnout or injuries. Don’t forget to give your body rest whenever necessary- training 3 or 4 times a week is plenty. Moving your body on rest days with casual walks is better than training 6 or 7 days per week.
The last but not least important point is nutrition and hydration. The performance you make is more diet than training. Ensure you consume the right foods – it’s 1.2-1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight if you’re interested in knowing how much protein to eat to see results. Try to get your food from whole sources, avoid processed foods (including snacks), and drink plenty of fluids. Play around with diets to find the best one for you.
Do you think you could make the gym a routine? Remember, 66 days is all it takes, and 66 days will fly by if you find ways to actually enjoy the habit you’re trying to make. Start today, and you’ll be in a gym routine by August.