Get Exercising And Stick To It!
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
-Lou Holtz
This article contains affiliate links As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.. As an Amazon Associate,
Have you ever found yourself in that familiar cycle of starting strong with your fitness efforts only to see them fizzle? It's a shared experience, one that many of us have faced time and time again. But let's not give up. One strategy that has helped me is to set realistic goals and track my progress. This way, I can see how far I've come and stay motivated to keep going.
Exercise is an essential issue for me, and I struggle with it. It's been almost four years since my heart attack, and I still struggle to do many things that are important to my lasting health. But giving up is not an option.
Tips For Creating A Workable, Consistent Exercise Plan
Set small, realistic goals that you will be able to accomplish. For instance, if you're just starting, aim to walk for 15 minutes every day this week. Remember, each small goal you achieve is a step towards your ultimate fitness success. Once you have achieved a goal, you can move on to a new one, knowing that you have the power to conquer them all.
Track your exercise. Use a fitness tracker or a small notebook to record your daily progress. And give yourself a nice smiley sticker for a job well done.
What do you truly enjoy doing? Is bike riding your thing more than jogging? Or would you prefer swimming instead? Find the activities that bring you joy and incorporate them into your fitness routine. Exercising with a friend always makes exercising more fun.
Schedule your exercise for a time that works for you. If you are not a morning person, set aside time in the late afternoon or evening.
Don't allow excuses. One of the biggest excuses is the tired age old; I don't have time. If it's important to you, you will make time. And then there is the I'm tired excuse. You might be surprised at how energized you feel after exercising. No excuses!
Are you struggling for time? Break your exercise up. You don't have to do it all at once. Take a walk in the morning or another walk in the evening. Find what works for you.
Don't let your exercise get boring. Mix it up. For instance, add some jogging intervals if you're used to walking. Or, if you're a fan of strength training, switch up your routine by trying new exercises or increasing the weight you're lifting.
Reward yourself at the end of each week for your hard work. Treat yourself to a movie or dinner with a friend.
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."
-Jim Ryun