"Exercise not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude and your mood." ― Unknown
If you don’t exercise regularly, it’s time to get started! It doesn’t matter how old you are, your physical condition, what time of year it is, or how busy you are. You can always come up with an excuse not to exercise. If it’s important to you, you’ll find the time in your schedule. And, trust me, your body and mind will thank you!To remain committed for the long term, make exercise a habit. To do that you’ll need to put practices in place that help you establish and stick to an exercise regimen.
Before you get started be aware of your current state of physical health. If necessary, consult your doctor before you begin to exercise. Knowing what you are capable of and your limits will help you set an attainable goal and have realistic expectations.
What are you hoping to accomplish by exercising? Do you want to feel better, have more energy, lose weight, decrease medications, avoid or reverse a disease? Spend some time reflecting on why it’s important to you. Then when you face challenges or setbacks and consider quitting you can refer back to your WHY.
To reach a fitness goal, it’s important to develop a routine. Determine the best time of day for you to exercise. It is best to do it first thing in the morning or would you rather use it as a way to unwind towards the end of the day?
Until you have established a fitness habit consider scheduling when you’ll exercise and write it on a calendar or in your daily planner. You may be more successful if it’s planned into your day and not done randomly. Performing exercise at the same time each day is beneficial as well. Develop a plan that works for you and stick to it.
Consider enlisting a friend, family member, or coworker as an exercise partner. You can be accountable to one another and keep each other motivated. If no one comes to mind hire a trainer or coach if you can afford to. Just find someone to hold you accountable to your goal. You’ll be less likely to come up with excuses not to exercise if someone is depending on you or if you have to report to someone.
Track your activity. Keep a journal and write down when you exercise, what you did and for how long. A fitness tracker or downloadable app is another way to do it. A tracker provides a good visual of what you’ve done or haven’t done. I’ve got a great one you can use. Get it HERE.
Expect struggles and challenges. When they happen recognize them for what they are, except them, recommit and move forward. Be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process.
I’ve had the same exercise routine for so long I can’t remember when it started. I work out at 5:30 am Monday through Friday and at 6:30 on Saturday. I share this to let you know it’s possible. If I can do it so can you!
When you’re on vacation or traveling incorporate exercise into the experience. It’s a great way to explore new places. It’ll also make it easier to get back into your normal routine when you return home.
Getting a good night’s sleep and eating healthy food can help provide you with the energy you need to exercise. I’ve put together a guide with tips on how to promote a good night’s sleep. Click the button below to get the guide.
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Note: There may be affiliate links in this post. • I am not a doctor. All information is for educational use only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional.
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