Exercise is good for you!
We already know that exercise is good for us. Some of the many benefits include a decreased risk of heart disease, decreased blood pressure, decreased risk of certain types of cancer, weight management, prevention of type 2 diabetes, stress management, and improved sleep… just to name a few. So why do less than 5% of adults in America engage in exercise for 30 minutes per day? The reasons are endless! No time. No energy. No motivation. No gym membership. No desire. If so many of us aren’t exercising daily, then what’s the secret for those who are? Take a few tips from our trainers and clients to help get yourself moving!
Do What You Like
Choose an activity that you want to do. If the thought of putting on a bathing suit in the dead of winter and climbing in and out of a cold pool sounds dreadful… then don’t go for a swim! However, if lacing up your sneakers and finding a lunchtime ZUMBA class sounds sounds like a party, then get to it! Go for a walk, circuit train at the gym or in your backyard or living room, take a cycling class, put on your rollerblades and head to a park, or hop on the elliptical machine. Finding activities that you like will improve the likelihood that you will do it!
Buddy Up
We are social creatures… well, most of us are, anyway. Partnering up with a reliable friend will increase the fun factor of any activity, along with providing a little accountability. If you know that your friend will be waiting for you at 5:15AM to hit the road for an invigorating run, you will be less likely to roll over and hit the snooze button!
Pump Up the Jams
Everyone has that song or that playlist that makes you want to move. So grab your playlist and get moving! Even if you’re blasting the music in your living room and rocking out with your best dance moves, you are guaranteed to burn some serious calories and have some major fun, too! What if music isn’t your motivator? Find your favorite TV series on Netflix or in your DVR queue. Hop on your elliptical, and let the time fly by as you get a workout and catch up on your favorite show. Hold off on watching the next episode until you’re ready for another workout… that will be great incentive to get moving each day!
What Time is It?
Do you hate the thought of setting your alarm for 6AM to workout before work or school? Then don’t do it! Find the time that you like and put it on your schedule. Honor your workout time as you would any appointment or meeting. This is one of the most important things you can do for yourself each day. Invest in your health, and don’t cancel that workout!
Go for the Goal
Set a goal for yourself. Sign up for a race. Begin a structured training program. Start something that will keep you motivated and on track to get up and get moving each day. Be sure to reward yourself once you’ve achieved the goal, completed the race, or concluded the training program. A new pair of shoes or a massage would be great incentives to keep you going! Try to stay away from rewards that conflict with maintaining a healthy lifestyle… such as indulgent food.
Team Up
Find a recreation league that allows you to play a sport that you love such as volleyball or basketball. Enjoy the structure of a practice and game schedule, while doing something you love, and spending time with your teammates. Not really a team sport person? Find a convenient and energetic group fitness class! Join a Pilates class or find a cross training class that fits your schedule.
Let’s Get Technical
Although your smartphone can’t do the workout for you, it can remind you when you need to get moving and keep track of your movement throughout the day. If you’re a numbers person, then tracking your fitness is easy and comes with instant gratification as you watch your numbers rise throughout the day. All you need to do is find the fitness tracker, heart rate monitor, or app that works for you. With so many to choose from, it’s safe to say there’s something for every type of exerciser.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Don’t let yourself get into a rut! Change it up! Try something new! You just might find some fun in an activity you’ve never done before!
Now Let’s Get Moving!
Exercising releases endorphins that leave us feeling at ease. So once you get started, working out will also make you feel good… and can even be fun!