10 Tips for Better Exercise Success
Let’s face it: the number one New Year resolution is: to be more active, (with an ultimate goal of losing weight). But this isn’t always as easy as it sounds and many of us find the zest for our new exercise regime slipping through our fingers as soon as mid-January!
Here are 10 tips to help you get your exercise plan off the ground, and keep it in the air well into the New Year.
1) Joining a gym is not always the answer
We often tell ourselves that joining the local gym will solve all our exercise problems; that buying that yearly membership is all we’re going to need to summon the motivation we need. We’ve all said it “Maybe I’m just a gym junkie and I just don’t know it yet?!”
Britons spend an estimated £37m a year on wasted gym memberships. Signing up for the gym is not the answer for all of us. The truth is that a gym situation although ideal for some, doesn’t suit all. Find an exercise program that suits you.
2) Keep exercise fun!
Finding a few forms of exercise that are fun and exciting is a great way to keep your regime constantly interesting, making it more likely you’ll stick to it throughout the year. Why not try a few different things Eg: a weekly Zumba classes, swimming, yoga, group exercise with friends and daily walking. Mix it up and don’t just stick to the same old routine every week, as it may get boring. Use music or TV as a way of keeping yourself entertained during your exercise: take your ipod jogging, use the treadmill in front of your favourite soap! Keep it fun and interesting!
3) Don’t be so hard on yourself
If you miss an exercise opportunity, don’t stress yourself out unnecessarily. If you miss a regular class, go for a walk instead. You can always make up for it later. Stress can be a contributing factor in quitting an exercise regime. Try and remember that one or two slip ups do not equal the end of your program.
4) Use the buddy system
Find a close friend or a relative whom you trust and make an exercise pact. Encourage each other and exercise together. This can be a great recipe for success; it will give you both more confidence and support, as well as strengthening your relationship.
5) Set realistic goals
Setting goals is important as it helps us find motivation, as well as giving us something to work towards. However, we are so often quite unrealistic with our exercise goals. Speak to your doctor, consult a health professional such as a nutritionist or fitness instructor and remember that weight loss is not the only goal you should have. Think about fitness levels, energy levels, your mood, quality of sleep, muscle tone, posture, pain management and other factors.
6) Be patient
Another part of setting realistic goals is the ability to be patient and enjoy the ride. It’s so important to enjoy the exercise you’re doing, not just be keen for a result straight away. These things can take time.
Remember that slow and steady wins the race; don’t push yourself too hard and risk injury. Start with low to moderate levels of exercise and increase over a period of time.
7) Keep your exercise regime accessible
Singing up for classes on the other side of town or at times when we know it’s going to push the schedule, is never wise. We are much more likely to stick to forms of exercise that are easy to fit into our schedules: go for a jog at lunch time, do an hour of yoga at home, enjoy a walk after dinner or find an after work class within walking distance from your house.
8 ) Make it a lifestyle change
Diet fads and exercise kicks don’t always last. Take it slow, change your daily routine, change your attitude and make the “new you” a lifestyle change, not just a fad. Make your changes last.
9) Keep a record of your achievements
Keeping an exercise and diet journal is a great way to document your progress and keep yourself motivated.
Write down your goals and how you will reward yourself once you’ve achieved these goals; keep healthy recipes and document the post-exercise feelings of euphoria to remind yourself how good you can feel. Remember that it’s not all about weight loss, so keeping track of your weight via the scales might not be for everybody.
10) Healthy eating
Healthy eating and a good exercise regime go hand in hand. Consult your health professional and find a health diet fit for your body type and health history.
