There are plenty of reasons we should be exercising. Not only does exercise help us reach and maintain a healthy body weight, it also can help lower blood pressure, "bad" cholesterol and trigycerides; strengthen bones; lower the risk for cancer; help us battle depression; decrease stress; and improve our sex lives.
So we all know exercise is good for us. Why do so many of us hate it?
To succeed in sticking to an exercise routine, people need a reason to carry on when that little voice inside says, "Sit on the couch. Have a doughnut."
To succeed in sticking to an exercise routine, people need a reason to carry on when that little voice inside says, "Sit on the couch. Have a doughnut."
Believe in the Benefits of Exercise. We are more motivated to do things that we'll benefit from. The more we benefit, the more motivated we are. For example, if I told you I'd give you a million dollars to take a 30-minute walk tomorrow morning, would you do it? You bet you would! The benefits of exercise aren't quite that compelling, but they are pretty motivating! You will benefit tremendously from consistent exercise. For many people, that's very motivating!
Create your personal "Reasons List." Keep a piece of paper and pen handy for a couple of days. Jot down EVERY reason you can think of that you want to get healthy/get fit/lose weight through consistent exercise and healthy eating. Real life example: I had a new client start a couple of months ago who could only think of two reasons — that she wanted to lose weight and get fit. I told her to think about it for a couple of days and she came up with a list of over 30 reasons, such as:
• More energy to spend quality time with her friends and family
• To be able to fit into all the clothes in her closet
• To be able to live a long, healthy life being active
• To not feel uncomfortable in public
• To not become breathless climbing stairs
• To be able to do "active" things with her family and friends
• To be able to walk into any store and wear the clothes she chooses
Her list goes on, but you get the picture. Make a long, extensive list. This may not seem important, but it is critical to be able to read this list when your motivation to exercise is waning. It's a powerful way to quickly get "re-motivated"!
Folks, if you're really serious about this exercise thing, then get serious about it. Exercise first thing in the morning, every morning. Our bodies were made to be active on a daily basis, and when we are, all sorts of wonderful things happen. We even get healthy and fit! People who exercise 6 to 7 days per week first thing in the morning are much more successful at exercising consistently than those who do the 2 or 3 day thing. It doesn't have to be a huge workout everyday. Get out there and take a 30-minute walk/jog/bike or group class.
Make a Goal! Train for a local 5K or 10K walk or run in your area. This can be great motivation to exercise on a regular basis. I've seen many people transformed from couch potatoes to lean, mean, exercising machines because they decided to enter and train for a competition like this. Don't think you can do it...YOU CAN!
Reward Yourself! Real life example: I have a client who puts $2 in a jar every time she exercises. She gives herself the freedom to spend this money on things she normally wouldn't buy for herself. She says she usually ends up with more than $60 per month!
Keep Records! Write down your exercise time (minutes) each day. Keep a running total for the month and year. Calculate your average exercise time per day. Set some lofty goals! :)
Make your exercise as enjoyable as possible! For example, if you're a walker, you may want to create a pumping playlist to listen to or books on tape, etc. If you're exercising inside, set up a TV so that you can watch it while exercising. On the other hand, you may just prefer peace and quiet. Do whatever makes exercise most enjoyable for you. You are much more likely to exercise consistently if you enjoy it.
Wear Proper Slicks! Wear shoes that are appropriate for what you're doing. Injuries seriously affect your motivation to exercise. Most people, especially walkers and runners, wear their shoes far too long. Worn out shoes will make you much more prone to injuries. Make sure you go to a reputable running shoe store and have your feet analyzed for the proper supportive shoe.
Bottomline, you don't have to turn your whole life upside down. Instead, use these motivational examples to begin to understand what you want and need to start living a healthier lifestyle.
There's no question that life is stressful but that doesn't mean we can't take control of our health and fitness. All the new technology that keeps us so sedentary also offers us even more ways to be active. If you can't get motivated to leave your house take advantage of streaming fitness videos, podcasts, fitness video games.
There really are No Excuses! Just get up, get moving and GO FOR IT!... commit to 30 minutes every day and I promise you will start to feel differences and see results and that's really motivating!
Have a Happy and Healthy Day, Cheers :)
Create your personal "Reasons List." Keep a piece of paper and pen handy for a couple of days. Jot down EVERY reason you can think of that you want to get healthy/get fit/lose weight through consistent exercise and healthy eating. Real life example: I had a new client start a couple of months ago who could only think of two reasons — that she wanted to lose weight and get fit. I told her to think about it for a couple of days and she came up with a list of over 30 reasons, such as:
• More energy to spend quality time with her friends and family
• To be able to fit into all the clothes in her closet
• To be able to live a long, healthy life being active
• To not feel uncomfortable in public
• To not become breathless climbing stairs
• To be able to do "active" things with her family and friends
• To be able to walk into any store and wear the clothes she chooses
Her list goes on, but you get the picture. Make a long, extensive list. This may not seem important, but it is critical to be able to read this list when your motivation to exercise is waning. It's a powerful way to quickly get "re-motivated"!
Folks, if you're really serious about this exercise thing, then get serious about it. Exercise first thing in the morning, every morning. Our bodies were made to be active on a daily basis, and when we are, all sorts of wonderful things happen. We even get healthy and fit! People who exercise 6 to 7 days per week first thing in the morning are much more successful at exercising consistently than those who do the 2 or 3 day thing. It doesn't have to be a huge workout everyday. Get out there and take a 30-minute walk/jog/bike or group class.
Make a Goal! Train for a local 5K or 10K walk or run in your area. This can be great motivation to exercise on a regular basis. I've seen many people transformed from couch potatoes to lean, mean, exercising machines because they decided to enter and train for a competition like this. Don't think you can do it...YOU CAN!
Reward Yourself! Real life example: I have a client who puts $2 in a jar every time she exercises. She gives herself the freedom to spend this money on things she normally wouldn't buy for herself. She says she usually ends up with more than $60 per month!
Keep Records! Write down your exercise time (minutes) each day. Keep a running total for the month and year. Calculate your average exercise time per day. Set some lofty goals! :)
Make your exercise as enjoyable as possible! For example, if you're a walker, you may want to create a pumping playlist to listen to or books on tape, etc. If you're exercising inside, set up a TV so that you can watch it while exercising. On the other hand, you may just prefer peace and quiet. Do whatever makes exercise most enjoyable for you. You are much more likely to exercise consistently if you enjoy it.
Wear Proper Slicks! Wear shoes that are appropriate for what you're doing. Injuries seriously affect your motivation to exercise. Most people, especially walkers and runners, wear their shoes far too long. Worn out shoes will make you much more prone to injuries. Make sure you go to a reputable running shoe store and have your feet analyzed for the proper supportive shoe.
Bottomline, you don't have to turn your whole life upside down. Instead, use these motivational examples to begin to understand what you want and need to start living a healthier lifestyle.
There really are No Excuses! Just get up, get moving and GO FOR IT!... commit to 30 minutes every day and I promise you will start to feel differences and see results and that's really motivating!