Getting organized to exercise

“I just use my muscles as a conversation piece, like someone walking a cheetah down 42nd Street.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

There aren’t many people in this day and age who don't exercise. In fact, TIME Magazine reported that “more than 45 million Americans now belong to a health club, up from 23 million in 1993. We spend some $19 billion a year on gym memberships. Of course, some people join and never go.” So, with all the time and money people spend at the gym, becoming organized in your workout routine should be just as important as exercising... period! In fact, being organized in your workout routine just might give you that extra inspiration to push it to the limit!

Organize & Create Discipline has put together some pointers to help keep your exercise routine organized. Now, getting to the gym won't seem so exhausting before you even get there.

KEEP YOUR PROMISE

Everyone needs some discipline in their lives. The best way to accomplish this is to set a schedule and keep to it. Sticking to the promise of toning your body and feeling great should be a positive addition to your life. If you are a visual person keep a calendar on your fridge or bulletin board. Never allow yourself to make an excuse for skipping the gym. If you've entered the technological age, set a recurring appointment on your smart phone that will remind you of your workout commitment on a weekly basis. This will allow you enough time get to your next appointment feeling refreshed from your workout.

ORGANIZE YOUR EXERCISES

There are some people who like to go to the gym and are actually spontaneous with their exercise regime. Then there are those who need a little bit of organization so they can focus their time and energy wisely while there. If you're one of those organized exercisers, a suggestion from Organize & Create Discipline is to set up a weekly workout calendar. Each month print out a blank calendar from your email program. On your workout days write the exercises you want to accomplish and devote a specific time for each one. Take the calendar one step further and create an electronic document that can be edited on your computer with ease. Use this calendar to track your progress, keep yourself focused and disciplined, and make sure you are sticking to it. The benefit of an organized calendar will do wonders for your physical growth and focus.

I’M NOT A GYM PERSON

If you don't belong to a gym you are not alone! There are many ways to incorporate exercising into your life without feeling like you have to be in a facility for training. Organize your own regiment right in your home by doing push-ups, sit-ups, and stretching in the morning and evening. Also, discipline yourself by taking stairs instead of elevators or escalators during your daily routine. If you are an outdoors person organize group activities with your friends such as football games, hikes, tennis matches, bike riding and even Rockband or Wii Fitness. Anything where you move your body, can break a sweat, and feel invigorated is beneficial for your well being.

And like always, I want to hear from YOU! Tell me what organizational questions cross your mind. Email Organize & Create Discipline at ocd@ocdexperience.com and maybe your organizational challenge will be discussed next week.

Justin Klosky is a professional organizer who runs Organize & Create Discipline ( www.ocdexperience.com ). You can check his website for more tips and videos on how to organize your life.