How to Create a Weight Loss Workout Schedule

If you’re trying to lose weight with a healthy diet and exercise plan, you might want to create a formal weight loss workout schedule to be sure you stay on track.  The biggest benefit of a formal weight loss workout schedule is that you have no room for excuses.  You’ve created the schedule, you’ve set aside time for it and now you have to follow through.

Here’s how to create your own unique weight loss workout schedule:

Make exercise a high priority.

As you create your schedule, keep in mind that exercise MUST be a high priority in your life.  It has to be one of those things that you just fit in each day no matter what, like brushing your teeth and putting gas in your car.

Create a monthly calendar.

Buy one of those dry erase monthly wall calendars, or keep a planner book nearby.  If you have a cell phone with scheduling, alarm, and reminder applications, you can also use that to create your schedule.  Go through the coming month and record all of your required activities like work, appointments, meetings, and chores.  Then go through and add in your workouts according to the tips below.

Choose the same time each day.

For best results, you want to work out at the same time every day, so you’ll be less likely to avoid it.  Make a list of all of your normal daily activities, and then consider where you can best squeeze in your workout.  Try to choose a time of day when you are the least tired and stressed.  If you are rushed trying to prepare dinner right after work, that’s obviously not a good time to work out.  First thing in the morning is a good time, or perhaps in the evening after dinner.

Choose your exercises.

Your weight loss workout schedule should also show exactly what kind of exercises you will be doing, and on which days of the week.  For example, if you decide that you want to do cardio workouts 5 days a week for 30 minutes each time, and resistance training 3 days a week for 20 minutes at a time, be sure to write it clearly on your schedule.  Be specific about the day and time!  For example: 5:00am Wednesday, March 3rd, 30 minutes brisk walking.  7:00pm Wednesday, March 3rd, 20 minutes weight training.

Stick to it like glue.

Once you’ve got your weight loss workout schedule completed, be sure to stick to it each and every day.  Don’t allow yourself to make excuses or weasel out of it.  It may take a month or so to get into the groove so it feels less like a chore, but quickly you’ll reach a point where it just seems normal to work out each day.  In fact, on days when you have to skip it because of illness or an emergency, you’ll probably feel strange and miss it!