Five Things You Can Do Tomorrow to Start an Exercise Habit

© fffranz - Fotolia.com

It's easy to get out of healthy routines sometimes, and a lot of times it's not our fault. Life seems to have a way of disrupting the best intentions - whether it's family or work commitments, illness, injury, or a multitude of other surprises. If you've gotten out of your habit of doing some sort of physical activity or exercise on most days of the week and can't seem to get motivated again, try these suggestions -  

Just do a ten minute workout - If you can't devote twenty or thirty minutes to exercise, tell yourself "Okay, I'm going to walk (or whatever you prefer) for only ten minutes and then stop." This is one of my favorite motivation strategies. If I think the workout is going to be super short, I'm much more likely to get started. I'll bet, like me, once you begin, you'll keep going past the ten minute point.

© Marek - Fotolia.com

Challenge a friend - Call up a friend or relative and set a specific time to exercise. Knowing someone will be waiting on you to show up is a great motivator. Even better - set a date every week to meet at the park, gym, or court, and include a small incentive, such as - "Whoever misses the workout has to treat the other to a movie." You would be surprised how a friendly competition helps us to stick to our promise. 

Buy new workout gear - If your workout routine has stagnated and you can't seem to get going, buying a new pair of running shoes or some other equipment can help jump start it. There's nothing like lacing up a brand new pair of kicks or trying out a new piece of gear to get in the exercise mood.  

Walk or ride your bike to work - If you can do so safely, designate one day a week to getting your workout in and commuting simultaneously. When I ride my bike to work, it gives me a great feeling of accomplishment, knowing that I helped the environment, saved money on gas, and got some exercise all at once. 

Schedule recess - Remember the old school days, when we couldn't wait for recess and the chance to have a few minutes to play outside? Recapture that feeling during the work day. Have a little fun at lunch or on a break, and challenge some co-workers to a game of Frisbee, jump rope, or another schoolyard game. Make a brief, ten or fifteen minute, fun activity part of your everyday work routine. Even better, add a little competition between departments or floors of your building and get everybody involved. 

There you have it - five easy, fast, and (mostly) free ways to get back in the exercise habit. Try one and let me know how it worked for you. 

Thanks for reading.
Until next time, stay well! - MK   

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