Thus far the majority of my blogs have been about Nutrition. Today, I would like to address strategies for sticking to your exercise program. Hear are some helpful tips to make exercise a part of your daily life.
When asked why people don't exercise most people cite, "I don't have time". In my opinion, this is the biggest copout I have ever heard. Do you have time to brush your teeth, shower, or eat during the run of a day? I assume the answer is yes. The answer is, "yes," because you have made brushing your teeth, showering, and eating a priority. Exercise needs to become a priority for everyone. Only when exercise becomes a priority, will it be done on a daily basis. We often think that doing something (driving excessively fast in a car, drinking too much alcohol, or smoking) is bad for our health. However, we often fail to recognize that NOT doing something is just as bad. Not exercising, compromises your health and shortens your life. Make the most of your life by including exercise into your daily routine. Use these helpful hints, to stay true to your exercise program.
(1) Choose an activity (Exercise program) that you enjoy. If you do not enjoy running, lifting weights, walking, or swimming, will you do it every day? Chances are not. Take time to experiment with different types of exercise routines. Only when you find something enjoyable, will you do it every day.
(2) Exercise with your family and friends. Instead of socializing around food, make a gym date and exercise your mind and body. Just make sure to keep your gym session a "business trip". You are their primarily to exercise!
(3) Reward yourself when you reach a fitness goal. Avoid rewarding yourself with food. Reward yourself with a new outfit or vacation to show off that new body. Food is only temporary. You did not spend hours in the gym to ruin all those health benefits with a few slices of pizza.
(4) Keep reminding yourself how important physical activity is to your life and health. Remind yourself daily of why your are exercising. Maybe you are exercising, so that you can play with your grandkids.
(5) Incorporate music into your activity. Lets face it, music makes us feel good. Incorporate music into your exercise routine and get fired up for that workout!
(6) Tell people about your exercise plan. You will be more likely to stick with an exercise plan when you are held accountable for your routine. Why would you be reluctant to tell people? Are you scared of failure? Do not see failure as an option! Make a plan and stick to it. Friends and family can provide support and encouragement when you don't feel like exercising. Use them as a motive. Feel great knowing that when they ask you, "did you go to the gym today," you can respond, "YES!!!".
(7) Keep a daily log and keep track of your success. If your goal is to exercise 4 times a week, make sure you can see your accomplishment at the end of every week. A calender is a great idea! Post it so everyone can see it :-)
(8) Avoid complicated exercise programs. Use the KISS principle (Keep- It- Simple- Simple). If your exercise routine is 2 hours long, how will you mange to exercise when life gets busy? Keep your exercise program short, simple, and intense. As a good friend of mine says, "It's a business trip." Get in and get out. Everyone has at least 30-45 min a day!
(9) Vary your activities. Crosstrain. No one wants to do the same exercises everyday. Walk, swim, bike, hike, hula hoop, dance, run, weight train. Variety is the spice of life. Choose a variety of activities.
(10) Take some time off to rest and recuperate. If you have not been exercising for a year, it does not make sense to exercise everyday. This will only lead to injury and burnout. Take some time between workouts to let your body recuperate. Giving yourself rest between hard workouts will allow you to exercise more intensely on the days you do workout. Go to the gym with fuel in your tank, knowing that when you leave you will be spent!
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