The key to consistently working out? Follow the “quit after 10 rule”

For most of us, showing up to workout consistently is the biggest obstacle keeping us from our fitness goals. There are so many other areas of life that need our time and attention. Most of us over 40 have jobs, families, household responsibilities, possibly caring for aging parents and many other reasonable excuses for not showing up to a workout.

While there are definitely life situations that can understandably make us miss a workout, I often find that just not having “the motivation” is a key reason. As a trainer, perhaps it comes as a surprise that I too am not always hyped up to get the next workout in. I love my job, but I am not always excited to exercise. However, the “ quit after 10” rule is something that I and clients of mine have found keeps us from missing workouts because of lack of motivation.

The “quit after 10” rule basically says on days your just don’t feel motivated to workout, commit to working out for 10 min. If after 10 minutes you still want to quit then quit. This may not sound like the best idea at first, but I can almost guarantee that you won’t quit once you have gotten through the hardest part of a workout - the first 10 minutes. This rule does not apply if you are dealing with an illness or injury that requires rest of course. This is strictly a discipline rule to keep you showing up to your workouts.

The other obstacle that may be keeping you from your goals is getting to the gym or even downstairs to your home gym in the first place. In this situation, I find it helps to lay out your clothes the night before and pack everything you will need to make that decision easier when you are at that mental weak point first thing we all face in the morning. I often tell myself to just not think and just go through the motions of getting ready. Before you know it you will be at the gym and odds are you won’t drive back home at that point.

Try the “quit after 10” rule the next time you feel like you just don’t want to show up. None of us are always motivated, but we need to remember that we are worth the time to take of ourselves. We have a lot of people depending on us in life, and we need to be healthy to keep helping everyone else. Get out there and give it 10!