The idea of starting exercise can often be overwhelming. You might find yourself questioning where on earth you start, what you need to do, and how can you possibly fit this into your already busy lifestyle? We have a few top tips for helping you get the ball rolling and start reaping the benefits of regular exercise.
Set small achievable goals
While you might think getting up at 5 a.m. every day of the week to burn through a grueling workout is the fastest way to get in routine, you’ll probably find that it’s completely unachievable, causing you to burn out and lose interest far too quickly. Any movement is good movement, so start small, such as going for a walk three days a week, and feel that instant satisfaction when you get to the end of the week and know that you achieved your goal! Each week or month, set yourself a new realistic goal, and continue working on it from there!
Find an activity you enjoy
Too many people spend hours slaving away in the gym or running for miles, and don’t enjoy one single moment of it. This is a sure-fire way to become bored or disinterested in exercise and give up on your fitness. Instead, find an activity you enjoy! This might be as simple as taking the dog for a walk, playing frisbee or soccer with the kids, or putting music on and dancing in your lounge room.
Make exercise a social activity
Working out with a buddy will help you stay motivated and stick to your routine. Suggest meeting a friend for a beach walk, followed by a coffee.
Group settings are also a great way to meet people and make exercise all the more enjoyable. Try joining a running club, a dance class or a team sport.
Sneak exercise into your day-to-day lifestyle
There are so many simple ways to sneak exercise into your day.
Some ideas include:
Take the stairs
Clean the house or wash the car
Ride your bike to work
Stretch or do yoga while watching TV
Play with your kids in the backyard – you’ll be surprised how much jumping on the trampoline will feel like a workout!