Think of the Positive Impact Exercising Can Have

Getting into a regular exercise routine can drastically impact your life for good! The benefits of regular exercise are countless, and the different ways you can choose to exercise are just as diverse. Keep an optimistic outlook and try to remember why you are starting on this journey.

To begin your exercise routine it is important to consider a few things. What types of health concerns could you have that might prevent certain activities? How often should you exercise and for how long?  Here are a few tips to help you get going! 

Go to Your Doctor for Advice

Many times doctors will want to provide you with a complete physical examination in order to help you determine which type of exercise will be most beneficial for you. If your end goal is overall health, it is a good idea to start with a doctor to help supervise and encourage you in the right direction. 

This is particularly important for anyone who has had recent surgeries, health problems or conditions that might prevent them from certain exercises. 

If you do have a serious physical limitation it can be advantageous to work with a personal trainer to help you design a workout specific to your needs. Prices for personal trainers range from $50-$150 per hour and can be well worth the money to keep you well and started on the right path toward health. 

Make a Plan and Set Realistic Goals 

If you are serious about exercising consistently and attaining results you have to start small. Thinking big and jumping into a strenuous activity too quickly can cause injury, stress on your body, and also break down your desire to move forward. 

Come up with a realistic plan. Set small goals that you can work towards weekly.  After each week reevaluate what you accomplished and what you hope to add to your routine the next week.

Celebrate the small victories and move towards your long term goals at a pace that is sustainable. 

Make It a Habit

Experts say that it takes about 21 days to form a small habit. Exercise, at a consistent level, requires more effort. After around 66 days experts believe a true exercise habit forms for a person, and it becomes ingrained into their daily life. 

What does that mean for you? Don’t quit! Just over two months of a daily, serious effort and exercise will come naturally to you. 

How can you make sure to stay in the habit? Exercise at the same time every day and it will just naturally become part of your life. Make sure you add some aspects of things you really enjoy. Whether that is biking, running, hiking, rollerblading or even weightlifting. If you enjoy what you are doing you are much more likely to continue. Get a workout buddy! There is nothing like a steady partner that will help keep you in your exercise groove. Make sure it is someone who you can rely on and will push you to do your best! You make sure to be that partner for them! Don’t cancel or try to discourage it! Uplift and see each other through.

Another proven theory is that habits are much easier to build up if you replace negative behavior with a positive one! By switching out that extra-long afternoon nap with a bike ride, or getting up a half-hour earlier and walking on the treadmill you are actually mentally and physically empowering yourself!