Are you trying to change your habits and establish an exercise routine? Is your goal to get healthy this year?
It’s difficult trying to fit an exercise routine into our already busy days. Whether your goal is to lose weight or simply get into shape, it takes more than a few days to make it all happen.
You have to change your attitude. Studies show that we’re creatures of habit. We don’t like change. And when it comes to making big changes in our life, the little voice inside your head is going to keep telling you to stop and stay the same. It’s easier that way. Your job is to bypass that little voice at all costs.
You have to change your routine. Because when you want to add something into your life, you have to be willing to let something else go. Habits are the key to success. If you have trouble doing something, calendar it. Ask for help to keep you on track. Get a friend/spouse/sister/mentor to help you along. Be sure to take steps towards your goal every day.
Then, it’s all about putting more exercise into your days. Of course, you should have different routines every day. Sign up for a Zumba class. Add both strength and endurance training to your routine. You should also do everything you can do to get more active. Do things like:
Walk more to run errands. If at all possible, leave your car at home and walk to your final destination.
Park your car the furthest away from the door as possible to add extra steps in your day.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
Take your kids to the park and play with them.
Invest in a stand up desk.
Get off the train one stop earlier.
Start a garden.
Sign up for an exercise class at night instead of watching TV. Yoga and Tai Chi will still get you moving and off the couch, without overexerting yourself before bed.
While these are just examples of things you can do to add more exercise into your daily routine, the more you do, the more you’ll recognize how you can change. A sedentary lifestyle isn’t a friend. If you can find a way to stay active morning, noon, and night, your body and your health will thank you for the long term.