Expert explains how specific mental strategies ensure long term fitness consistency

Fitness is rarely linear, and relying solely on motivation often leads to inconsistency. Raj Ganpath, a Chennai-based trainer with 18 years of experience and founder of the Slow Burn Method, shared strategies on Instagram on Thursday to help individuals stay disciplined.

He emphasises the necessity of a structured plan, including fixed timeframes and specific days. Raj explains, “On what days of the week are you going to exercise? When, on those days, are you going to exercise? What exactly are you going to do for your exercise? Be clear about it because if you have to decide this every day, if you're just going to take it as it comes, chances of you actually doing the work is very, very less.”

Visualise yourself exercising

To maintain momentum, Raj suggests visualising the workout the night before. This two-minute practice involves mentally walking through the experience.

The fitness coach explains, “Just imagine it. And how will you feel as you're doing the workout? And how will you feel once you finish the workout? Once you imagine all this, it becomes very very clear. The visualisation really helps you get it done.”

Have a backup plan too

Since not every day feels ideal, a backup plan is essential for survival. Raj suggests having an alternative for days involving poor sleep or busy schedules.

The fitness trainer elaborates, “Have a backup plan. Are you going to go for a walk? Are you going to do a lighter workout? Have a plan, and try and stick to your plan when things go well. But when things don't go well, have a backup plan and resort to it.”

"Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not count as medical advice."