Plan your Wellness Challenge: Get Organised and Feel Better this April
We want to exercise, take care of ourselves and fit wellness into our lives, but somehow, life gets in the way. We forget, run out of time, feel like we can’t fit anything else in to our busy lives, or simply don’t feel motivated.
That’s why planning ahead is a game changer. Studies show that people who schedule their workouts and set up their environment for success are significantly more likely to follow through.
This April, our Monthly Wellness Challenge is about taking one small action each day to make fitness and wellness easier. The key? Planning in advance. Whether it’s scheduling your workouts or packing your gym kit the night before, these simple steps remove the barriers and increase consistency.
Why Planning in Advance Works
- You’re much more likely to work out if you set a specific time and place. A British Journal of Health Psychology study found that people who planned their workouts in advance were 91% more likely to follow through than those who just 'hoped' to exercise.
- Packing a gym bag increases follow-through. Research shows that reducing friction, such as preparing workout gear the night before, drastically increases sticking to exercise routines.
- Past behavior predicts future habits. The more frequently we perform an action (like prepping our workout clothes), the more automatic it becomes, helping us build lasting habits.
- Consistency beats motivation. Motivation comes and goes, but structured habits create consistency. Treating workouts like important meetings in your diary makes them non-negotiable.
How to Plan for Daily Wellness Success
Schedule Workouts Like Meetings
- Choose specific days and times - don’t leave it to chance.
- Book classes or workouts in advance to create commitment.
- Set reminders so you don’t forget.
- Workout with a friend - it adds accountability and makes it more fun.
- If your schedule changes, adjust rather than cancel - shift your session to another time instead of skipping it completely.
Use 'Situation Support' to Make Exercise Easier
- Pack your gym kit the night before in a La Pochette Sweat Bag, Kit Bag, or Wet Bag. They're designed to fit effortlessly in your backpack, tote, or gym bag so you’re always prepared.
- Keep a spare Sweat Bag, or Shoe Carry in your car or office to make spontaneous workouts easier.
- Have a backup plan—if you miss a morning session, swap in a short evening workout or a walk.
La Pochette Tip: A Wet Bag is perfect for post-swim gear, while a Sweat Bag keeps gym clothes fresh without odour transferring to the rest of your bag.
Make Movement Part of Your Day, It's Not Just the Gym That Counts
- Turn work calls into walking meetings.
- Get off the bus or train a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way.
- Take the stairs instead of the lift.
Every bit of movement adds up!
Have a Backup Plan
Even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by last-minute meetings, unexpected errands, or simply feeling too exhausted. But having a backup plan means you don’t have to abandon your wellness routine completely.
If your morning workout gets pushed aside...
Plan B: Fit in a short lunchtime walk or schedule a quick 10-minute bodyweight workout in the evening.
If a work meeting runs over and you miss your gym class…
Plan B: Have a go-to home workout saved on your phone or take an evening walk to decompress.
If bad weather ruins your outdoor workout plans… Plan B: Find an indoor alternative—whether it’s an online yoga session, stretching, or bodyweight exercises at home.
If you’re too exhausted to work out…
Plan B: Focus on active recovery, like gentle stretching or a short walk, to keep moving without overexertion.
If you forget your gym kit…
Plan B: Keep a La Pochette Sweat Bag in your car or office with a spare set of workout gear so you’re always prepared.
Final Thoughts
The secret to wellness isn’t doing more—it’s setting yourself up for success with tiny, daily actions.
This April, challenge yourself to plan one small thing each day—whether that’s scheduling your workouts, setting out your kit, or booking a class with a friend.
Tag @lapochettelife on Instagram and share your progress. The most inspiring submission will win a £150 La Pochette voucher and be featured on our social media!
Let’s make our fitness and wellness a priority and make small changes this month which will last.
