We all know that exercise is important. We all know that we need to get our butts moving if we want to shed those pounds off. We all know that if we get physically active, we boost our metabolism, burn more calories and get rid of excess fat.

Everything we need to know about how exercise works, we know in theory. But when it comes to actual practice, following a regular exercise program can be very difficult. We might be able to adhere to it in the first few days or even weeks, but once we hit a plateau or lose motivation, it's very easy to lag a little behind and eventually abandon the entire program.

One of the best ways to ensure that you stick with your exercise regimen is to develop an exercise plan. Similar to an exercise log sheet that keeps track of all workouts and trainings you've done, an exercise plan is your personal roadmap to the programs you wish to engage in together with the times and days you plan to conduct them. A weekly exercise plan is often more doable and measurable than long-term ones.

Exercise plans are essential in any fitness program. This is because putting your routine together with its corresponding schedule on paper makes it more tangible. And because you have allocated a chunk of time for it on your schedule, it impels you to make it a part of your daily activities. Thus, you feel the need to do it.

Creating your own exercise plan ensures that you integrate into it activities that you enjoy doing- a crucial component in any exercise program. By putting fun activities that you love to do like dancing or swimming, you are more likely to stick to your program. In addition to this, you know your schedule far better than anyone else. Putting in your workout at times in the day when you will be able to perform them is integral if you want to be successful in your chosen fitness regimen. You are able to flex, too. If you know that you'll be rushing to work on Mondays and Wednesdays due to high traffic, then you can always schedule your routines at the end of the workday at these times.

Developing your own exercise program also gives you a sense of purpose and responsibility for what you have placed on paper. You might want to ask the help of a personal trainer to help you determine how fast you should go or how intense you should get in a matter of days. Or you can always read books or articles on the subject and determine that on your own. But ultimately, making sure that you stick with your plan is your responsibility. That's why it's important to design your programs yourself so that you develop a sense of responsibility for it. An exercise plan that's handed down to you is easy to neglect because you don't feel that it's personally yours.

Your workout plan is more than just a schedule of exercises. It is a necessary part of your fitness regimen. It drives you to stick with your chosen fitness program not only because it's good for your overall health but because you have chosen to make it fun and interesting. That's the power behind creating your own exercise plan.