If you're like most weightlifters, you have good days and bad days. You might even have weeks where you lift regularly and then suddenly find yourself struggling to make it to the gym twice in a row. This inconsistency can be frustrating, and it's one of the main reasons why many people give up on weightlifting altogether or don't see the results that they want. But it doesn't have to be that way!
In this article, we'll share five tips for staying more consistent with your weightlifting routine. So whether you're just starting out or you've been lifting for years, these tips will help you stay on track and reach your fitness goals. Let's get started!
Create a workout plan and schedule
It is hard to get somewhere you have never been without a map or a set of detailed directions. It is the same way with your fitness and weightlifting. If you want to improve and see more consistency in your workouts, you need to sit down and write out a game plan.
Whether it is a workout you come up with yourself, one that you get from an online fitness website, a personal trainer, etc., you need to make sure that you have a map of where you want to go. This will allow you to attack each day, week, and month. And before you know it, you will have strung together a bunch of great lifts.
And along with a workout plan, do your best to schedule out your week when you are able to work out and lift weights. If you just say to yourself, "I will try to make it happen when I can," you are much more likely to miss workouts. But if you plan out specific times during your week to train, you are much more likely to get in your workouts.
Mix up your workouts and keep things fresh
One of the best ways to stay motivated in your workout routine is to mix things up and keep your body guessing. If you do the same workout day in and day out, not only will you get bored, but your body will adapt to the movements, and you'll stop seeing results. Change things up by trying new activities, varying the intensity of your workouts, and adding new challenges as you progress.
For example, if you normally go for a jog, try running uphill or sprinting for a minute or two and then continuing at a slower pace. Or, if you usually lift weights at the gym, try doing bodyweight exercises at home or taking a class that uses unfamiliar equipment. By incorporating different types of workouts into your routine, you can avoid boredom, build muscle, and see better results.
Modify your workout > miss your workout
Life gets busy sometimes, and that is okay. You are not always able to plan for everything, and sometimes stuff comes up, and you get really busy. When this happens, you may be tempted to skip your lift because of a lack of time, energy, etc. Instead, though, do your best to get at least some kind of workout in.
You can modify your workout and still get some benefits. You may not have enough time to get to the gym, but you can do some bodyweight exercises at home or go for a quick run. These modified workouts will help you keep on track and progressing in your weightlifting pursuits.
Find a weightlifting partner for accountability
One of the best ways to stay motivated and stick to your weightlifting routine is to find a partner. Having someone to work out with can help keep you accountable, pushing you to show up even when you don't feel like it. A weightlifting partner can also be a great source of encouragement and support, helping you to set new goals and stay focused on your progress.
Of course, it's not always easy to find someone who shares your interest in weightlifting. If you're having trouble finding a lifting buddy, try searching online or asking around at your local gym. With a little effort, you're sure to find someone ready to hit the weights with you.
And if you are still unable to find someone that can come work out with you, find someone that will regularly check in with you and ask how your workouts are going. Knowing that someone will check in on your progress will help you to stay committed.
Set short-term and long-term goals
One of the best ways to achieve success in life is to set goals. Having a specific goal to strive for can help you stay focused and motivated, and it can also give you a sense of purpose. However, not all goals are created equal. In order to be most effective, your goals should be specific, realistic, and achievable. You should also have both short-term and long-term goals.
Short-term goals are specific objectives that you can achieve in the near future, while long-term goals are more general aspirations that you hope to someday achieve. By setting both types of goals, you can create a well-rounded roadmap for success.
Short-term goals can be helpful for providing immediate motivation and a sense of accomplishment. They can also serve as stepping stones on the way to achieving your long-term goals. For example, if your goal is to eventually bench 300 lbs and you currently bench 200 lbs, your short-term goal may be to get to two plates on each side and bench 225 lbs by the end of the year.
Long-term goals, on the other hand, can help keep you focused on the bigger picture. They can also serve as a source of inspiration when times are tough, and you feel like giving up. No matter what your goals may be, remember that setting and achieving them is within your reach. All it takes is some planning and dedication.
Conclusion
Staying consistent with your weightlifting can be difficult, but it is definitely possible. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success. Just remember to be patient, set goals, and find a weightlifting partner or group for support and accountability. With a little effort, you'll be on your way to achieving the results you desire.
And while this article is geared toward weightlifting, learning to stay consistent with your lifts will also help you stay more consistent in other areas of your life. You will find that you are more consistent with your work, home life, family, etc.
Do you have any other tips for weightlifting consistency? If so, comment them below. We would love to hear what works for you.
