If you’re a young adult, chances are you’re always on the go. Between work, school, and your social life, it can be hard to find time to fit in a workout. But trust us, there are plenty of benefits to working out – both physically and mentally. Not only will it help you stay in shape, but it can also help alleviate stress and improve your overall mood. The best workout plan for young adults is one that is tailored to your specific needs and schedules. Here are some tips on how to create a workout plan that works for you.
Figure Out What Type of Workouts You Enjoy
Do you like going for long runs? Or do you prefer lifting weights at the gym? Maybe you’re more of a yoga person. There’s no wrong answer here; the important thing is that you find exercises that you enjoy so that you’ll be more likely to stick with your workout plan.
Most people have a negative view of exercise, often seeing it as a chore or a burden. By finding out what types of workouts you love to do, you can reduce the odds of you giving up on your workouts. Think of your favorite sports, movements, or a certain body type you want to achieve and mold a workout routine around those factors.
You may even want to think about targeting specific body parts. For example, lower back workouts target back muscles and strive to assist with issues in other areas of the body. Back problems are often caused by imbalances in other muscle groups, so using a specific workout routine will help you to mitigate issues in this area.
Develop Your Mindset
Motivation is another hurdle most people face when thinking about how to get started with a workout plan. Getting motivated to work out is challenging no matter when you start, so it’s important to understand that there will never be an ideal time to get started. Your mindset is crucial, so remember to train your brain at the same time you train your body. Set healthy goals and try new things like the thrive experience.
There are plenty of great fitness blogs, influencers, and books to explore if you are working on building up your mindset. When searching for the right source of information, find one that speaks in a tone you can absorb with minimal friction. This is an important piece of making sure that you stay on track and construct a mindset that empowers your workout routine.
Set Realistic Goals
It’s important to set goals that are achievable so that you don’t get discouraged. For example, if you’re just starting out, aim to work out 3 times a week for 30 minutes at a time. As you get more comfortable, you can increase the frequency and duration of your workouts.
When you have your goals aligned, it will be much easier to withstand periods of low motivation for your workouts. You won’t always feel like getting a workout in, and these days are the ones where having clear goals in place can help the most. Make your goals challenging but realistic and you will create the optimal formula for consistency and progress in your exercise regimen.
Find a Workout Buddy
Having someone to work out with can help keep you motivated and accountable. Find a friend or co-worker who has similar fitness goals as you and commits to working out together a few times a week. Having someone to keep you on track is a great way to ensure you stay consistent.
One of the best ways to stick with your workout plan is by making it something that you look forward to. If working out at the gym isn’t your thing, try other activities like hiking, biking, or even dancing around your living room to your favorite songs. Brainstorm with your workout buddy until you can both find something you love to do as an activity.
Create a Journal
An exercise journal is a great tool to help you stay focused and disciplined. You can write your progress, you can express your ideas about your exercise, and you can even explore new ideas in your exercise journal. It is a place for you to let your private thoughts run free, so don’t be too judgmental of them.
Your journal can also help you to track your progress and renew your motivation. Seeing your completed workouts in writing can help to solidify them into reality and give you more faith in your process. Keeping a journal will assist you in all aspects of your workout journey.
Example Workout Ideas
Following a program, you find online is a great way to jumpstart your workouts. You can also hit the library and consult with a fitness book written by an authority in the field. You may even want to consider creating your own workout regime to fit your particular needs.
Here are some sample workout routines that young adults can follow:
Monday: 30 minutes of cardio (running, biking, elliptical) + full body strength training circuit
Tuesday: 30-60 minutes of yoga or Pilates
Wednesday: 30 minutes of cardio (running, biking, elliptical) + full body strength training circuit
Thursday: 30-60 minutes of yoga or Pilates
Friday: Rest day or active recovery day (light walk, easy swim)
Saturday & Sunday: Play around. Try something new or do something fun that gets your heart rate up like hiking or biking.
Talk To a Trainer
Having a trainer in your corner can give you some much-needed motivation and gusto when it comes to getting the most out of your workout. Some people may find it stressful to pay a trainer, but you can at least meet with a trainer to see if it’s a good fit for your goals. Many gyms even offer free consultations with trainers so that you can get an idea of the services they have to offer you.
Once you have a trainer in place, they will be able to give you some workout plans that match your goals. They can also help you discover your limits so that you are not pushing them and causing more harm than help. Injuries are common in exercise, but only when you are doing your workouts the wrong way. A trainer will help you avoid this.
Give Yourself Some Grace
Life happens and sometimes that means missing a workout here or there. Don’t beat yourself up if you have to skip a day (or two). Just pick up where you left off and keep going. Imperfect progress is far better than just throwing in the towel altogether.
If you get knocked off course with your workouts, recommit to your routine. At this time, it can be helpful to jot down your goals and reassess why you are working out in the first place. Having this perspective can provide you with the renewed focus you need to get back to your workout routine.
Remember, working out doesn’t have to be a tedious or time-consuming part of your life. It just takes a little bit of planning and effort on your part. If you find that you are having trouble staying consistent, try using an app to track your workouts and compare your progress to your past self, not anyone else.