Changing your mindset about exercise can help you look forward to it. Here are four ideas to move more throughout your day and make exercise a habit.
I have a confession to make.
I've never had a gym membership, but I love to exercise. In fact, I exercise every day. Walking outdoors. Practicing yoga. High-intensity interval training. Occasional running. These are just some of the ways I move.
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Gym memberships are wonderful and there are plenty of fabulous gyms sprinkled throughout many communities offering well-rounded classes and programs. But with my current work and teaching schedule, and raising young children, exercising at home, walking outdoors and attending yoga classes at local studios just works best for me right now. This is a routine I can stick with.
And every time I exercise—no matter what time of day—I feel a burst of energy and a lightness to my mood.
I used to run and do high-intensity interval training to the point of exhaustion. I used to force myself to push through it, thinking: Just keep going. Just keep pushing through. This way of thinking stemmed from my previous struggle with an eating disorder. Learn how I realized I had an eating disorder and how I overcame it.
It wasn’t until I learned that exercise is meant to be enjoyed and not something I needed to force myself to do that I really started to look forward to it. I began to look at exercise as moving my body in healthy ways to feel better.
Former exercise goal: to be the most fit and lean version of myself Current exercise goal: to be the healthiest version of myself
How do you feel about exercise?
Think about what type of exercise you enjoy. Is it practicing yoga? Taking a Zumba class? Swimming laps at your local pool? Try more of that. You’ll be more likely to stick with exercise you like doing. Start to notice how exercise makes you feel during and after it. Are your thoughts more positive? Do you have more energy to do the things you want to do?
Whether you have a gym membership, choose to exercise at home or attend local exercise classes, help care for your mind and body by moving more.
As always, speak with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.
Practice It: 4 Ways to Make Exercise a Habit
Here are some quick tips to (realistically) incorporate more exercise and movement into your day.
Exercise in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up. You’ll have more energy for the rest of the day. And you might not need that cup—or three—of coffee.
Use an app like Glo (my favorite) or borrow exercise DVDs from the library. If you still have a DVD player (I do!), pop them in for 20 or 30 minutes.
Walk around the neighborhood. Whether you have 10 minutes or more than an hour, go on a family walk or walk with a friend outdoors. You’ll get the added benefits of connecting with others and with nature.
Alternate between standing and sitting throughout the day. Join a meeting or take a call while walking or stretching.
Note that this website and the Stand Up for Your Self-Care YouTube Channel are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine or wellness plan.
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