How to make exercise a priority
You know the routine. You’ve been busy all day either attending school, working or taking care of the kids. The last thing on your mind is going through a workout. All you want to do is relax and unwind. If you’re overweight the effects of a busy day can wear you down even more than your thinner counterparts.
So how do you make exercise a daily priority?
I have tried to make it a part of my daily routine as so many experts have recommended. For the most part it does help, but I’ve found that it just became one of my many tasks that I didn’t want to do. Currently I workout 4 days a week 30-60 minutes per session. I have been able to stick to it because I have made exercise a part of my unwinding and relaxing time. Now I look at it as time just for me to do what I want to do and not what I have to do.
The secret is to make it fun and competitive.
Find a physical activity that you enjoy doing like walking, running, biking or even lifting weights and set a realistic goal for that session. It could be anything from the amount of calories you burn to how fast you can complete a set distance.
For example my exercise of choice is running. I have 2 routes a 5 kilometer one and a 10 kilometer one. On each run I set a goal time to beat. (23 or 50 minutes). It’s an awesome feeling to beat or even reach that goal. It keeps me motivated and I look forward to beating that new time on my next workout session.
Cutting out the excuses
There are so many excuses that can trip you up. “I’m too tired, the gym is too far away, my favorite TV show is on or it’s raining outside” are some of my favorites. All of these can stop your momentum, but can be easily overcome. Here are some simple ways to counter those excuses:
1.) Change into your workout clothes right after dinner.
2.) Set a time to meet with a workout buddy. You’re less likely to skip it if you have someone else waiting on you.
3.) Use your Tivo, PVR or VCR and record your favorite TV shows and watch them on your rest days.
4.) Who says you need a gym to workout. Put on a workout video, run the stairs or do some body weight exercises.
5.) Work out in the morning as a great start to your day.
My favorite excuse is I’m too tired to workout. There is no better cure for low energy than a good 20-30 minute walk/jog. Motion creates energy and increases the oxygen flow to your brain, essentially waking it up.
Regular exercise can improve your overall health, add years to your life, improve your self-confidence and make you look and feel better. So good luck and get moving.
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