How to follow a program and not lose your shit from structure…

We like to say, let the program set you free…

(we’re looking directly at every Aries, Sagittarius and Leo in the room as we say it)

Following a program is kind of like managing a budget. It might sound constrictive, annoying or dare we say boring (both budgets and programs), but in the end, true freedom really thrives within a little structure.

Coming up with a clear and consistent plan to save, invest and “manage” money results in the freedom to do whatever you want with those funds: travel the world, buy a first home, pay for a wedding, maybe start a fitness app with a few goals, a dream and a high yield saving account.

Just like considering money/financial health gives us the ability to make life what we want it to be in stages, a program gives us a plan to function at our physical best and improve over time. 

Programs are there to provide systems to make gains (booty gains, baby). Just like stocks, bonds and mutual funds, a well crafted program can help us build over time vs. stay in the same place.

Putting money into a Roth IRA and never investing that money is like taking random Peloton classes over and over because it’s a good sweat (sorry, not sorry). You make a deposit into your IRA account on a monthly schedule (showing up for class) and try to max out your contribution (show up as much as possible). 

Over time, the money accumulates because you’re adding more (OMG, I just did my 200th ride), but it doesn’t grow because you didn’t take the next important step: actually putting that money to good use through investing (what’s a program again?)...

Remember: a program is like Lacee’s early stage lululemon shares, while measuring fitness progress by class number completed is like making a weekly deposit in a low interest savings account. Seems great in the moment, yet not as lucrative later in life. 

Showing up and doing the same thing over and over leaves you in the same place year after year, even if you’re doing something. 

A better idea: learn that fitness isn’t a simple transaction. It won’t fully blossom without a plan for growth over time (get with the program).

So how do you follow a program without losing your shit from boredom?

Start by accepting the fact that every day will not be fun.

Every session will not be entertaining. 

Sometimes, it’s going to be annoying.

But…

A feeling of contentment, drive and joy will build gradually because you’ll be able to see, feel and use your body in new ways. 

You will make progress.

Look back and measure how much you’ve grown.

And know that there is a plan in place to get you where you want to go.

So much about fitness is sharing the journey with others, finding community and a support system; don’t overlook the fact that a program can be a part of this. 

This is what will make even the most boring program on paper make you feel alive and ready for the next session.

Other tips to make a program feel less intimidating, less cumbersome:

• Create goals that are meaningful to you and match a program with what you want to accomplish. A person with a lifelong goal of running a marathon will need to seek out a different program than someone wanting to complete the Iron Maiden Challenge. 

• participate beyond showing up by reading your program, taking notes and keeping a training journal

• join a program like Bar+Bells Up or Bells Up TV if you’re looking for group strength training with a plan that allows for flexibility (attending group fitness classes, running, playing other sports)

• JUMP IN, rip off the bandaid and take it day-by-day. We grow wealth over time, not overnight. Stop worrying and being overwhelmed by a long-term plan. A year goes by faster than you think; any program done in under six weeks is usually not enough to experience real change. 

• Set aside funds monthly for your health. This will add up over time and can help with the costs associated with joining a program, hiring a trainer or purchasing a gym membership/equipment seem less overwhelming. It’s also a great idea to set aside funds for other health related expenses in a pre-tax account like an HSA. 

If your head is currently spinning in a money and fitness tornado, check out one of our favorites, Her First 100K, to fight the patriarchy and make yourself rich.