Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

Anyone who knows me very well at all can tell you: I’m a big fan of routines. When it comes to making my health goals fit into my very busy schedule, sticking to a schedule is a crucial component of my success. However, I’m under no illusion that that’s true for everyone!

When it comes to creating a life you love, a really important component is figuring out what’s going to work for you . . . and what’s just going to add extra stress. So today, I wanted to explore the idea of routines around a fitness regimen to help you decide whether establishing a set routine is more likely to be encouraging or discouraging in your particular health journey.

What My Routine Looks Like

Obviously, everyone’s routine is going to look a little different. Just to give you an idea of the kind of structure I’m talking about though, here’s a little peek at my average weekly workout plan:

• Monday - Gym day

• Tuesday - Spin class

• Wednesday - Pilates

• Thursday - Gym day

• Friday - Pilates

• Saturday - Boxing

• As often as possible - Walks around a nearby lake :) (Note: This sometimes doubles as my “move” and “recharge” components.)

Now, one thing you’ll notice right off the bat is that my routine is heavy in CLASSES. Personally, I love classes because they keep me accountable and they help ensure that I’m not getting bored. That said, your routine might look more like hitting the gym every other day, starting every morning with a 60-minute dog walk, or heading out for a jog after work every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Whatever floats your boat—and keeps your heartrate up—is fine!

(If you’re worried at all about making sure you’re doing the right types of workouts to achieve your goals, creating your ideal workout calendar is something we talk about in depth as part of my Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time program. CLICK HERE to learn more about it!)

Should You Set a Routine For Your Workouts?

I can’t answer this for you—while I generally do recommend that my clients (especially those just starting out) establish a routine, some people really are motivated enough to change things up on a week-to-week basis. If you’re unsure of whether you would benefit from an exercise routine, ask yourself:

• Am I self-motivated enough to make myself workout, even when I’m not being held accountable by a schedule or a class?

• Have I tried (and failed) in the past to squeeze a workout in whenever I had extra time for it?

• Am I prone to falling into ruts, getting bored, and giving up when I don’t have variety in my schedule?

• Do schedules and itineraries bring you joy, or do they make you feel boxed in and stressed out?

There’s no wrong answer here! 

The truth is, while routines work best for most folks, there’s no one RIGHT way to prioritize your physical fitness. So get out there, move your body in whatever way makes sense for you, and crush your fitness goals! And remember: If you need some guidance, support, instruction, or accountability, you’re always welcome to reach out to me.