Hi! My name is Kerri and I’m a program hopper. Oh, you don’t know what that means? It refers to someone who can’t seem to stick to an exercise program or see it through to completion. It’s me. I’m the hopper.
I never used to be this way. I remember faithfully following all kinds of programs back in the day. First, there was Lyzabeth Lopez, then I was SWEAT app fanatic, and most recently I completed a workout program on the Grounds App (if by recent you mean fall of 2024). I have journals documenting my progress with Stephanie Sanzo, Bret Contreras, and Brad Schoenfeld. Proof that I can complete a program. So, what’s happening now?
I wish I knew. But, lately I start a program and get about 3 weeks in, maybe 4, before I abandon it. There are a variety of reasons:
- I experience an injury or nagging pain.
- The volume is too high (or too low).
- The routines are boring.
- I discover a new program I want to try.
- My schedule interrupts the regularly scheduled workout.
- I get sick.
- Did I mention I get bored?
The thing is that I’m an equal opportunity quitter. I even stop doing my own programs! Perhaps the greatest sin is the fact that I’ve never completed a MindPump MAPS program. Not once. I’ve gotten close, but it’s never actually happened.
I share all this for a few reasons. It’s cathartic for me to own my foibles. But it’s also important that faithful readers know that even coaches have trouble staying consistent. Life be lifing. It’s just that way sometimes.
Is Program Hopping Necessarily Bad?
Listen, if you’re moving your body and exercising, I’m not going to tell you that you have to follow a structured program all the time. There’s no law that says you have to do that! But, if you have specific goals, you must follow a solid program to see progress. Plus, having a program to follow takes the guesswork out of exercise and lets you pretty much go on autopilot. Having a plan means you get to the gym and know exactly what you need to do without having to think about it. There’s something to be said for that!
How Do You Stop Program Hopping?
If you do have big goals and want to get out of your commitment-phobia rut, where do you begin? Here’s what I would tell my clients, if they asked (it’s advice I should follow myself, too!).
Articulate Your Why. Document the reason you want to complete the program. What will it mean? Why do you want to do it? Write it down and keep it safe.
Plan for success. Find a program you will enjoy. Grab a journal or set up a note or spreadsheet on your phone to keep track of your progress. Schedule your workouts.
Create Accountability. Find a way to keep yourself honest. A workout partner, friend you can text or post you create on social media are all ways to make sure you follow through on your commitment.
Establish a Prize. Rewards are everything when it comes to sticking to the plan. Join a challenge or treat yourself to something special if you complete it.
Get a Coach. If you can afford it, a coach is gold in situations like this. Just knowing there is someone there who will call you out on your you know what is enough to keep you going!
So, what have I done to try to combat my own program hopping nature? I posted in a Facebook group that I needed help with accountability, crowdsourced assistance finding a new program to follow and I plan to document my progress with Instagram stories. I have a newish journal to document everything and will come up with a way to reward myself if I actually finish. I’m leaning toward running the Muscle Mommy program from MindPump. Two of the trainers there recommended it and they think I would benefit from a slight calorie surplus to keep building that muscle.
Now, to get motivated to start it on Monday….