The Key to Consistency

You hear people talking a lot about consistency and how it’s key in fitness especially now around the new year. It really is the key to achieving your goals in fitness and in life. But what does it really mean, and what is the key to consistency?

I may be controversial in saying that consistency in fitness doesn’t mean going to the gym or exercising every day or even six times a week. I often hear people say you have to train six times a week, and go hard to be consistent. But I have to argue that this isn’t the meaning of consistent.

The essence of consistency is really a form of behaviour in which one acts the same way over time. In reality you can achieve your fitness goals by exercising even three times a week as long as you stick to it over time.

In working to achieve your fitness goals, consistent nutrition, rest, and other aspect are also important, not just in training.

Personally I find that setting myself an achievable target and number of times I train really helps me be consistent. Of course it doesn’t hurt that I really enjoy training, but I do have a harder time being consistent with my sleep and rest. I also find that having a program and plan of what I want to do on the day helps as well.

What works for you? If consistency is the key to success, what are your keys to consistency?