The Power of Exercise

We all know that exercise is important, but, it seems that we either do not have the desire or the time to exercise.

Other people who are exercising eventually stop exercising after becoming bored, frustrated or discouraged due to the lack of progress in their health, weight loss or other health goal.

Personally, I know that exercise is important. In fact, some experts call it the "Fountain of Youth"! But, even though I know this, I still don't really like to exercise! 

There must be an easier way to deal with exercising, right?
When I was younger, exercise wasn't a problem, because I got my exercise by trying to play basketball and tennis. Today, most of my friends now play golf, but, I could never get the hang of hitting that little white ball. Ugh! 
Plus, is that really exercise?

The following are some tips to get you started with exercise and keep you going for the long term.

Schedule your exercise sessions on your calendar as if they were any other important appointment. This way, you will be able to balance your exercise program with family, work and social activities. 

Again, you will be more successful if you fit exercise into your current lifestyle. A little is always better than none.

If possible, try to build your exercise/physical activity into your daily activities, e.g. walking/bicycling to work, shopping, walking in the mall, house chores, painting, gardening, mowing the lawn, walking up and down the stairs, etc.

Don’t work out too hard or too fast at the beginning. If you do, you will end up sore and uninspired. It’s better to work out 2-3 days a week for life than to work out 6-7 days a week for a couple of weeks. Consistency is the key.

When you feel like skipping a workout, get yourself to do some form of exercise for at least 10 - 15 minutes. Most people struggle during that initial 5 minutes, but once they get past that 5-minute mark, they are actually able to complete their entire workout. (If you don’t, don’t worry about it – 10 minutes is still better than nothing).

When you get bored or unfocused, change your exercise routine a bit by adding a yoga, aerobics, Pilates, swimming or dancing class. If you don’t care to join a gym, there are many wonderful classes at the local recreational centers. Try a new exercise video or machine, or, try an outdoor activity such as bicycling or a beach walk.

Give yourself a little leeway - if you miss a workout or even an entire week, get back on track as soon as possible. Setbacks and challenges are normal. 

The sooner you get back on track, the sooner you will reach your goals. Remember - fitness is not about being perfect, but about a series of healthy choices that you make consistently. It is not an all or nothing proposition.

If possible, work out in the morning. You will feel more energized all day and will avoid “life” getting in the way of achieving your exercise and health goals.

If possible, get in the habit of taking a 5 - 10 minute walk after lunch and/or dinner, especially if the weather is nice. 

Walk with your partner or a friend. You will be amazed how well you feel physically and emotionally.

Keep a pedometer and a fitness journal to chart your progress and accomplishments, and provide motivation.

Try to limit the number of times that you use the weight scale to once a month or once a week at the most. As you get fit, lose fat and gain muscle, you will actually drop inches and pants/dress sizes and not move the scales that much.

Evaluate your progress every 6 - 8 weeks and increase the duration, frequency or intensity of your workouts to stay challenged and inspired.

If you need help, ask a fitness professional or instructor for suggestions and advice on how you can most effectively achieve your goals. There are also a variety of other resources on health and fitness available on the web.

Note: For more information about exercise and how to overcome the excuses, refer to the post about Exercise and Excuses.