Are you moving every day? Or are you a couch potato?
Are you too tired to exercise? Do you schedule your regular exercise routines, or do you just fit it in when you have some spare time?
Do you give up after the first few times because your body aches so badly?
Have you gained so much weight over the years, it's become so difficult for you to move?
Do you encourage your kids to be active every day? Do you exercise with your kids?
Did you know that regular physical activity is essential for permanent happiness and also increases your life span?
These are all questions we must ask ourselves.
You must first schedule exercise into your daily routines. You must have the time of day in your calendar. Find the time of day where you'll be most consistent with it.
First thing in the morning, or straight after work, or even midday (if your work schedule permits).
I find I'm most consistent with my exercise early in the mornings. I work out mostly at 6 or 6:30 a.m., and I get it out of the way. It also helps prepare me for my day. I
feel energized and refreshed and ready to face the daily challenges. (I'm most likely to skip exercise if I schedule it for the end of the day.)
Find out what time of day works best for you.
Find out the type of exercise you enjoy, whether it’s working out in the gym, swimming, running, fitness classes, dancing, hiking or simply walking…find one or two or several,
and stick with them.
Exercise at least 3–4 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes, and increase to 1 hour as soon as you can.
Be prepared with the appropriate gear you need for each activity, and pack them in your bag the day before. Scrambling around for everything you need 10 minutes before is a sure
recipe to skip your workout. Appropriate shoes, gym wear, sports bras, clean towels, etc. Remember to also fill your water bottle.
And for the ladies…choose hairstyles that are easy to manage after sweating. Don't let “I can’t ruin my hairstyle” be a deterrent to working out.
Remember, beauty comes from the inside out. Exercise makes you feel good from the inside out, and then your outside will become gorgeous.
If you need some motivation, take a friend or two with you. Friends who are inspiring or that you inspire. Positive thinkers, steadfast friends who can share in your physical
fitness journey, and you can both reap the benefits together.
Set a good example for your children. Our kids must see us being active, and this helps them get up from the couch and take a break from all their electronic devices! Play sports
with them, go to the park, walk the dog with them, do some gardening with them, or go swimming together as a family.
And lastly, get out into nature as often as you can. Running on a treadmill in your cluttered basement is good exercise, but the benefits are tenfold if you get
out to breathe some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful outdoors as you exercise.
So, to recap:
- Schedule exercise.
- Find the types you enjoy.
- Frequency is a minimum 3 times/week.
- Pack appropriate exercise gear.
- Go with good company.
- Set an example for your kids.
- Get outdoors in nature.
If you practice all this, you will be a much happier, healthier and more confident person after four weeks.
But you must be consistent, and stick with it!