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Charlie Banfield

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October 7, 2024

Should You Be Building New Habits if Your Previous Attempts to Focus on Fitness Have Failed?

I know how frustrating it can be when previous attempts to focus on your fitness haven't gone as planned. You start with enthusiasm, but somewhere along the way, life gets in the way, motivation dwindles, and you find yourself back at square one. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. The real question is: should you even bother trying again? The answer is a resounding yes - but with a different approach this time. Let’s dive into understanding your “why” and how to build habits that stick.

Understanding Your "Why"

Before you set another fitness goal or sign up for a new class, it's essential to understand your "why." This is the core reason behind why you want to make a change in the first place. It’s deeper than just wanting to lose weight or tone up—it’s about the underlying motivation that drives you.

Ask yourself:

  • Why do I want to be fit?
  • How will improving my fitness enhance my life?
  • What do I stand to gain by making this change?

For some, the "why" might be about being healthier for their family, improving mental health, or even gaining the confidence to achieve other life goals. Understanding your “why” gives you a clear purpose and serves as a powerful motivator, especially when the going gets tough.

Building Habits That Stick

Once you’ve established your “why,” the next step is to focus on building habits that stick. The key to this is starting small, being consistent, and integrating these habits into your daily life in a way that feels sustainable, rather than overwhelming. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start Small and Be Realistic

It’s tempting to jump into a new fitness routine with full force, but this often leads to burnout. Instead, start small. If your goal is to get more active, begin with 10-minute workouts three times a week. Once that feels comfortable, gradually increase the duration or frequency. The idea is to build up slowly, so the habit becomes a natural part of your routine.

2. Anchor New Habits to Existing Ones

One of the most effective ways to build new habits is by anchoring them to existing ones. This is known as “habit stacking.” For example, if you already have a morning routine of brushing your teeth and making coffee, you could add a 5-minute stretching session right after. Because the new habit is attached to something you already do, it’s easier to remember and maintain.

3. Focus on Consistency Over Intensity

It’s not about how intense your workout is; it’s about how consistently you show up. Consistency is the foundation of any lasting change. Even on days when you don’t feel like it, just doing something—however small—keeps the habit alive. Over time, these small actions accumulate into significant progress.

4. Make It Enjoyable

If you dread your workouts, it’s unlikely that you’ll stick with them. Find activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s dancing, cycling, swimming, or even walking in nature. At Function Fitness, we offer a variety of classes and training styles, so you’re bound to find something that excites you.

5. Track Your Progress

Seeing your progress over time is incredibly motivating. Whether it’s keeping a journal, taking photos, or using an app, tracking your efforts helps you see the results of your hard work, even when they’re not immediately visible.

6. Be Kind to Yourself

Changing your lifestyle is a journey, not a sprint. There will be days when you slip up or feel unmotivated, and that’s okay. What’s important is getting back on track without beating yourself up. Self-compassion plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term habits.

At Function Fitness, we believe in the power of community. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who share your goals can make all the difference. Whether it’s a friend who joins you for workouts or a group fitness class that you attend regularly, being part of a community keeps you accountable and motivated.

Final Thoughts: Reframe Failure as a Learning Experience

If previous attempts at focusing on fitness have failed, don’t see them as failures but as learning experiences. Each setback teaches you something valuable about what works for you and what doesn’t. Use that knowledge to build a more informed and sustainable plan this time around.

So, should you be building new habits? Absolutely. But this time, do it with a clear understanding of your “why,” a focus on small, consistent changes, and a commitment to self-compassion. At Function Fitness, we’re here to support you every step of the way in creating habits that stick, leading to a healthier, happier you.

Ready to take the next step? Book your free No Sweat Intro with the simple click of a button above to start building a foundation for lasting change today.

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