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Does heading to the gym feel like a chore? Here are my top 6 tips on how to make exercise a habit!
Let’s be honest folks. It’s easier to break a habit than it is to make one. We can talk ourselves out of doing things that are good for us but can’t talk ourselves into doing something repeatedly and for an extended period of time.
Any new habit may have challenging beginnings, but in time, nearly anything can become habitual. Exercising has so many benefits for your health and can become a habit in just about a month. Now’s the perfect time to get into a new routine.
Do it for yourself.
6 Ways How to Make Exercise a Habit
Here are 6 ways to make exercise a new habit. Start as early as today and keep going.
1. Schedule It!
The number one reason people claim they don’t exercise regularly is a lack of time. You make time for a variety of other things every day: eating meals, taking a shower, driving to and from work, television, and more. So make an appointment with yourself to get the exercise your body needs to be as healthy as it can possibly be.
I love utilizing my planner and my phone for this. Schedule a time to devote to doing a free video on YouTube, hit the gym or take a lap or ten around the block. Remember, even just 10 minutes a day is an awesome start.
2. Find a Workout Buddy
Sometimes working out, especially by yourself, can be boring. Get out there with a good friend or your significant other. It’s a good time to spend with others and can definitely make things a lot more enjoyable.
A workout partner will also make you feel a greater sense of responsibility; no one likes to let other people down. It’s a little easier to think, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” when we know there isn’t someone depending on us.
3. Mix it Up
Come up with a variety of activities. There’s no reason you can’t swim one day, walk the next and play some basketball the day after that. Think about what’s around you and don’t do the same thing every single day.
4. Ease Into Your New Routine
Perhaps you remember high school and the 5-minute mile you used to run on the track team too well. If you haven’t been active lately, a little reality will serve you better. As long as you’re getting comfortably tired by the end of your workout, you’re on the right track.
Seriously, you don’t want to risk an injury early on and just stop completely. Start slow.
You don’t need to finish your workout on the ground in a breathless heap. High-intensity exercise is great for conditioning, but isn’t any better for your health than less intense options. Again, start slow. Start with 10 minutes. Increase as you go.
5. Don’t Make it Difficult to Exercise
Driving halfway across town in rush hour traffic is enough for anyone to find an excuse to skip a day. The truth is that a health club really isn’t necessary. A simple set of weights, a jump rope or some running shoes are probably all you really need. You may have a basketball court in your driveway and a tennis court down at the park. The world is literally your gym.
6. Track your Progress
It’s a lot easier to stay interested and motivated when you can see some real progress. Fortunately, progress comes quickly at the beginning of any exercise program. So devise a test of your fitness that you can do occasionally. It can be simple, like how many push-ups you can do, or how long it takes you to walk a mile.
Download a free app like MyFitnessPal to track your measurements and weight loss. If you’re like me, weighing in every week can be a bit of a downer. I weigh in on the first of every month and take my measurements.
Y’all, how to make exercise a habit doesn’t have to be difficult. Exercising daily is a great addition to include your life. It can be challenging to get into the habit, but relatively easy to stick with it after the initial period has passed. You’ll be healthier, feel better, and look better. YOU GOT THIS!!!!
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I am all about working out by myself. I have had the routine of waking up every morning and the first thing I do, work out. I like to get it done before anything else happens in the day because I don’t want anything else to perhaps get in the way of what makes me feel best!
That’s a great idea! I always want to wake up before the kids to get my workout in but I think they’d know and interrupt ha!
Thanks for the tips! As a mom of two little ones I find it difficult to find time but I’m determined to include that in my schedule. Great post!
You can do it! Every day is a new day!