Starting an exercise program is not easy for many of us. Our fitness experts at Stronglife have come up with some tips for long-term success.
Treat exercise like a scheduled appointment
"A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his equipment," says an old Spanish proverb.
Schedule an exercise session for a specific day and time
Make a time that is convenient for you. Others may want to exercise early in the morning, but if your body prefers late evenings, that’s fine too. Make that your exercise time. Make your workout a priority and schedule everything else around it like you would any other important appointment.
Bring everything together
You don’t have time to exercise today or next week? Incorporate exercise into your everyday routine even on the busiest days. In parking lots, park on the far side. Instead of taking the elevator, take the steps. While you’re on the phone, go for a walk. Get going even if you just have five minutes. A pedometer can be a powerful motivator. An average of 2,000 steps per day results in a 100-calorie deficit for the day, which can add up to 10 pounds lost over the course of a year.
Keep the "buddy system" in mind
Exercise becomes a lot more enjoyable with the help of others. "Do I still enjoy what I’m doing?" you might wonder. Perhaps you’re stuck in a rut. Motivation is a positive indicator. Set up walking groups. Arrange for tennis matches, treadmill or spinning partner sessions at the gym, dancing nights, or basketball teams. What a fantastic way to spend time with friends while also getting some exercise!
Establish objectives
It’s wonderful to notice and feel development. Just make sure your objectives are specific and short-term. ("I’m going to make an effort to drop 5 pounds," rather than "I’d like to lose 100 pounds."). Register for a 5K or a 10K. Working for such a goal can be quite motivating. You’ll see a ripple effect in your work, home life, and health if you set realistic goals that include clear milestones and progress towards your goal.
While exercising, dissociate yourself from the act of exercising
Take your thoughts somewhere else. Listen to toe-tapping music or an interesting audiobook while exercising. Make exercise a chance to unwind and escape.
Make exercising enjoyable
The finest form of exercise is one that you enjoy. "What do I enjoy doing in my leisure time?" you might wonder. There’s a good chance you’ll come upon a "moving opportunity" of some form.
Switch off your brain
You don’t want to be worrying about where your gym shorts are at 5 am. Lay out your gear the night before – shorts, shoes, and all. Pack your gym bag the night before if you’re going to the gym later in the day. Each morning, you’ll have removed one huge stumbling obstacle. Also, have a backup exercise program ready in case the weather becomes bad. Make exercising a "dose of a daily routine" that you can’t imagine not doing. Clarify – "What do I appreciate about myself and my future?" you might wonder. "What am I most looking forward to?"
Train with the best fitness coaches at Stronglife
Transform your thinking from couch potato mentality to thinking like an athlete. With fitness, it’s especially important to avoid the comfort zone in order to challenge your body in new and unique ways. We, at Stronglife, plan a new workout every other week by switching up. We help our clients achieve their fitness goals from the comfort of their home online. It will keep you from getting bored and will lead to greater physical gains. Set a goal, enlist a friend, put it on your calendar, and enjoy yourself. You’ll be laying the groundwork for a lifetime of improved health, happiness, and energy.
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