Exercise—you know you need it, you know you want to work out, but you just can’t seem to get into a good routine and stick with it. While it may sound silly, the best way to follow through with your exercise goals is to fall in love with it! After all, who would want to do something they don’t like to do? These tips can help.
Get to know the benefits
There are many benefits to exercise, including:
- Increased energy
- Improvements in outlook, happiness and confidence
- Better quality sleep
- Reduced risk of chronic disease and cancer
- Better overall health and well-being
Find several types of exercise you enjoy doing
The key to successfully making exercise a regular habit is choosing something you find enjoyable, fits within your lifestyle, and is appropriate for your fitness level. This post can help you find an option that may work for you. When considering your exercise, it is important to make sure you have a well-rounded routine. Click here to learn more.
Switch it up
Alternate between your “go-to’s.” For many people, doing the same type of exercise repeatedly can be boring and result in fitness plateaus. Switching up your exercise will help you stay interested in it and help you realize your goals.
Keep it interesting
Periodically find activities outside of your normal exercise routine and incorporate them throughout. Exercise is more than just working out–it’s physical activity, too. For example, you could:
- Go hiking or canoeing
- Join a local pool or gym to swim
- Go skiing, snowboarding or ice skating
- Visit a trampoline park
- Take up roller skating/blading
- Play a round of tennis or a basketball game
- Join an adult sports team in your community
There are so many ways to exercise outside of traditional workouts!
Make it a social event
Chances are you may have a group of friends, family members or coworkers who would like to stay active, too. Create an exercise “club” of sorts as a way to spend time with each other or connect virtually through mutual goals.
Acknowledge what it is doing for you—and appreciate it!
As you begin to exercise and get into a groove, think about all of the ways it is improving your life. Are you sleeping better and feeling less irritable in the mornings? Do you get more done during the day? Do you have more stamina when playing with your kids or grandkids? Take notice of the ways exercise is contributing to your life.
Remember, any exercise is better than no exercise! Always talk to your doctor prior to beginning a new workout routine.
