Tips To Keep You Exercising

It's so easy to put off exercise. The following tips will help you incorporate exercise into your life and keep it there.

1.    Make Exercise a Part of Your Daily Routine. Schedule exercise at a specific time. The same time, every day, such as the first 30 minutes of every weekday. Do it even if you're not in the mood. Force yourself. Eventually you won't resent it; rather it will quickly become a normal, enjoyable part of your life.

2.    Walking Fits in Everywhere. Incorporating walking into your schedule is probably the easiest and most practical exercise program. You can do it anywhere, any time, no cost or equipment required. Maybe just walk to work or part way by getting off the bus early or parking your car 30 to 40 minutes away.

3.    Walk on Your Lunch Break. Walk for 30 minutes at lunchtime. It's good to get out of the office and into the fresh air. You can combine the walk with errands, but remember that the exercise must be continuous. Walking 5 minutes to the bank and standing in line for 15 minutes doesn't count.

4.    Do Exercise You Enjoy. Choose an exercise you enjoy or make the exercise you do more enjoyable. If you find a stationary bike too strenuous, walk. If you find walking boring, plug in earphones and listen to your favorite music, talk show, language tapes or books on tape. Watch television as you stride on your treadmill, ride your bike, or jump on a mini-trampoline.

5.    Exercise with a Buddy. Exercising with another person can be more fun than exercising alone. Make it a family affair. Instead of spending an hour every evening gathered around the kitchen table nibbling and chatting, spend the time taking a walk and chatting. Let it become a ritual. Exercising with a friend can also give you the added nudge you need. How can you say, "Sorry, I'd rather sleep," when Barbara comes by to drive you to the 9 o'clock aerobics class?

6.    Exercise Alone. Exercise can be a special time for you to be by yourself. Many busy people call the time they exercise "my time." No phones, no children, no distractions.

7.    Wear the Best Equipment: Good Shoes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good support. Buying $125 sneakers with bubble-filled soles and foam-layered heels is not required. In fact, you might find tie-up leather shoes more comfortable for walking. Whatever type of shoe you prefer, make sure they fit and offer support.

Source:  Choose To Lose