The Train Station/

KISS your Workout

Go ahead, you know you want to…

The idea of beginning a workout routine can be daunting. You make plans and set goals in your head but somehow the time never seems just right. Scheduling in time to sweat is never easy. The best way to work out and stick with it is to just go ahead and KISS it. The Keep It Simple Stupid method of working out makes working out enjoyable and as simple as possible. Working out is a relationship, a relationship with your body. Following the simple steps below will make your workout a permanent fixture in your life.

Assess.  The best place to start is with yourself. Take your body out for a trial run, time a fast walk and take your pulse before and after, see how many sit ups you can do. Don’t push yourself too hard but see what you can do comfortably. If you can, get your Body Mass Index and take a few measurements of your body, these will give you clear signposts for success.

Set Your Goals. As always, with any relationship, it is your responsibility to tell your partner what you want. Set clear goals and expectations for your workout. Are you trying to lose weight, reduce stress, get ready for a marathon? Know your limits and set attainable goals within that framework. Write them down and talk to your friends. Go public with your relationship and hold yourself accountable by sharing your goals with family and friends.

Form a Plan. Make space for working out in your life. If you always get off work early on Thursday, start there. You like to bike or swim but haven’t in years? Now is the time to start. If you just can’t find something you love find something you can do together. If you like to read, get an audio book and hop on a treadmill or a recumbent bike. Or if you and your workout have dated previously and were in a rut then plan to bring in a third to spice things up this time, a partner can always make things more interesting. Take turns choosing the activities and you might find something you didn’t know you liked. You will find, as with most good things in life, if you like it and you KISS it you are only going to want to do it more!

Go For It. But start slowly, those early days will set the tone for the rest of your time together. Begin with a gentle warm up and then speed up to a pace that you can continue for at least 10 minutes. Slowly add to that until you can comfortably do 30-60 minutes most days of the week. Don’t forget to take some alone time and give your body a chance to recover. Studies have shown that recovery time for your muscles is essential.

Stick with It. If you have KISSed your workout properly then it will start to kiss you back. The more time and effort you put into it the more you get in return. Start to neglect it and it gets harder and harder and the common ground you have built on will start to fade away.

Lasting relationships are based on solid communication so remember to check in with your body and keep reassessing your goals, maybe you have passed one without even knowing. So, keep the love alive and give your body the attention it deserves and don’t forget to mix it up every once in awhile.  And always remember that good kissing is never out of fashion!