Fitness goals can be tough to achieve, especially when you’re not consistent. Consistency is an essential factor in the journey to achieve any fitness goal, whether it’s weight loss, building muscle, or just staying healthy. In this article, we’ll discuss why consistency is key in achieving fitness goals, backed by real studies and research.
What is consistency?
Consistency is the ability to stick to a plan or routine regularly. When it comes to fitness, consistency means committing to a regular exercise routine and maintaining a healthy diet.
Why is consistency important in achieving fitness goals?
Builds Habits
Consistency builds habits. According to a study by the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit. When you commit to a regular exercise routine, it becomes easier over time, and it becomes a habit. Once it becomes a habit, it’s easier to maintain and achieve your fitness goals.
Progress
Consistency helps to track progress. When you stick to a routine, you can easily track your progress, and it helps you to make adjustments where necessary. According to a study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, consistent exercise helps to improve performance and overall health.
Mental Health
Consistency is also important for mental health. Exercise has been shown to help reduce stress and improve mood. According to a study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, regular exercise is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Long-term Results
Consistency is the key to long-term results. It’s not enough to work out once in a while or follow a diet for a short period. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, people who engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet are more likely to maintain their weight loss in the long term.
Discipline
Consistency builds discipline. When you commit to a regular exercise routine, it takes discipline to stick to it, even on days when you don’t feel like it. Discipline is an essential skill that you can apply to other areas of your life.
Tips to stay consistent
- Set realistic goals. Setting realistic goals is essential to stay consistent. Don’t set goals that are impossible to achieve, and don’t expect immediate results.
- Find a workout routine that works for you and stick to it. If you’re not a morning person, don’t schedule workouts for early mornings.
- Keep it fun. Choose exercises that you enjoy doing. If you don’t enjoy running, don’t force yourself to do it. Find something else that you enjoy.
- Track your progress. Tracking your progress is essential to staying consistent. It helps you to see how far you’ve come and motivates you to keep going.
- Get support. Get support from friends or family members who share similar goals. It’s easier to stay consistent when you have a support system.
Conclusion
Consistency is essential in achieving fitness goals. It builds habits, tracks progress, improves mental health, and leads to long-term results. It takes discipline and commitment to stay consistent, but the benefits are worth it. Follow these tips to stay consistent and achieve your fitness goals.
References:
- Lally, P., Van Jaarsveld, C. H., Potts, H. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ejsp.674
- McAuley, E., & Blissmer, B. (2000). Self-efficacy determinants and consequences of physical activity. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 28(2), 85-88. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-essr/Fulltext/2000/04000/Self_Efficacy_Determinants_and_Consequences_of.6.aspx
- Craft, L. L., & Perna, F. M. (2004). The benefits of exercise for the clinically depressed. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 6(3), 104-111. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC474733/
- Jakicic, J. M., Clark, K., Coleman, E., Donnelly, J. E., Foreyt, J., Melanson, E., … & Volpe, S. L. (2001). Appropriate intervention strategies for weight loss and prevention of weight regain for adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(12), 2145-2156. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2001/12000/Appropriate_Intervention_Strategies_for_Weight_Loss.23.aspx