Keeping it up. It’s such a familiar story: we start with great enthusiasm and good intentions, but after a few weeks we find that we’ve reverted back to the couch, the running shoes are gathering dust, and our bellies are expanding alarmingly. It can be so very hard to develop long-standing exercise habits and this is perhaps the area of most difficulty for most of us.
So, here is a simple & practical plan: we’d like you look below and try to commit to the plans shown here (write in yes or no). See if you can say yes to each one? ….
| TIP | NOTES | WILL YOU (YES OR NO)? |
| DIARISE | Nearly everyone uses a diary. Use yours to enter your exercise “appointments” and then, keep them! | |
| SHARE | Exercise with a friend or work colleague, or a group. This encourages you to stick to your plans and is fun too. | |
| PARENT | If you are a parent try to include your kids. That way they motivate you and you help them build healthy lifestyles at the same time. | |
| GOALS | You have already set some targets but how about adding in some extra targets (e.g. weight, kilometres, time round the block, etc.) | |
| PROGRESS | Write down your goals & targets and track your progress. Look at it regularly and you will SEE your own success. | |
| CHOOSE | Above all else, remember that your wellbeing is about your choices. It’s up to you, it really is. | |
| BE KIND | Despite all of this, we do all have “off-days” from time to time. If you do, try to forgive yourself and just move on (with your exercise plans). | |
| REWARD | You are going to succeed so remember to reward yourself when you do. Just choose healthy rewards (e.g. a massage or a new book rather than a pizza) |
Active living and regular exercise are so good for us in so many ways. It is how we should all live. It is how we all, or nearly all, want to live. Perhaps these ideas will help you stay active and well.
Definitely doable
First of all: The power of planning lies in the perspective and control it provides for your life; instead of drifting along, you give yourself a birds-eye view of the maze below, and harness your newfound freedom in order to do, be, and get wherever you want to go. It allows you to manage the day-to-day and often trivial tasks along with your long-term plans and goals. It’s where you hash out the tactics and logistics to make your long-term vision a reality. In a nutshell be realistic and have time management, and most of all be motivated in wanting to better yourself, in order for you to work towards your goal.
The Key to developing long-standing exercise habits is Small Steps and doing Variety! Instead of committing to a set routine, try a variety of different exercise activities throughout the day! Don’t see it as exercise, it is after all a Lifestyle Commitment. Start with 10 minutes walking everyday. If you are visiting the gym 3-4 times per week, alternate your workout with different forms of cardio, strength and stretch. Find exercises that are FUN, Suitable and Realistic in terms of your own lifestyle, health and Fitness Goals. Do not compare your own progress with that of others. In true Wealthsmith spirit “Begin as if you mean to Continue”. So start small today and Reap the Benefits Tomorrow!
Try to change one thing at a time, not everything at once – this will help you to set smaller goals and making the change/challenges so much easier.
The best motivation for me is when I started seeing the difference in my body and also my energy levels just increase. Its a year and 6 months
Keeping to an exercise program is sooo hard when you have to work, be a wife, and be a mommy. I have a few exercise videos, my little one loves doing the dance ones with me.
I am not very consistent, but when I get to do a bit of exercise, its usually a fun bonding session with my little one. I get to jog a little on Saturday mornings when hubby and the little one catch up on some sleep. This is good because I end up having a full day after the early energized start to the day.
I hope to be more consistent though, hubby wants an island holiday, and this tummy needs to disappear. I have enough motivation!!!
What works for me, I make sure my work out clothes is nice and clean, smelling fresh, the clothes must make me feel good, and should not be old and saggy, this I get ready before I go to bed, so when my alarm goes off, I have fresh water next to my bed. After a glass of water, brush my teeth, wash my face, put on my nice and fresh clothes and I am ready to hit the gym. After my work out I feel so good and healthy. I am sorted for the day ahead, my head is right. Eating healthy then comes naturally for me and I have great energy to repeat. Exercise, work, eat clean, sleep early, a lot of water….and repeat.
I’ve found that committing myself to going to classes at my gym helps me keep exercising, especially if I attend the classes with people who I know, who will then be expecting me to show up. They hold me accountable. If someone isn’t part of a gym they can sign up for example for bootcamp classes with an external company. If money is tight, try a parkrun every weekend, join a running club, or make repeat plans with friends to go out and exercise at specific times.
Another tip is to find alternative ways of exercising that suit you. If you don’t like running – don’t run. Ride a bike, take a swim, dance the kilos away. Exercise is not just about being fit, it’s about your all-round wellbeing, including mentally and emotionally. When you work out you should feel better afterwards – less stressed, more relaxed, you should enjoy it and feel good about yourself after. So while you’re working towards a fitter, healthier you, you are also working on a better, happier you.
I agree 100% Zandra. far too many people try a fro of exercise that does not suit them and they do not like. It is vital to enjoy our exercise so we all have to find what works for us. I, for example, dislike gyms but I do enjoy walking, cycling and kayaking, so I do those things and avoid gyms.
I’ve started jogging on Saturday & Sunday morning. I don’t really have the time to jog in the afternoon but i’m hope doing it on Saturday & Sunday will give me enough boost to actually make time during the week.
to achieve something in life always remember the goal as you go through any challenge