Develop an exercise plan that gives you the best chance to succeed. Be realistic. Don’t say you will exercise everyday, if you know you will only do it three…
Exercise Tips For The New Year
1. Develop an exercise plan that gives you the best chance to succeed. Be realistic. Don’t say you will exercise everyday, if you know you will only do it three times per week. Exercise in a way that you enjoy.If you don’t have time to block off an hour to go to the gym, then try taking two or three fifteen minute walks, at different times in your day. Park the car farther away to run errands.
2. Try to be as active as you can, as often as you can, all day. Visit a co-worker’s desk, instead of sending an e-mail, pace when you are on the phone and stretch when you watch television.
3. Instead of saying, “I should be exercising, but I’m not,” ask yourself, “How can I get my body moving more to create more energy, so I can get more out of my day?” Or, “How can I move more to relieve tension and stress, so I feel better everyday?”
4. Busy people say getting started with exercise is a big hurdle. It takes energy to exercise. Sometimes after a long, busy day, it’s hard to find energy to exercise. Negotiate with yourself to do just 10 minutes of any kind of continuous movement. Then, see how you feel. If you are still too tired, than stop, but chances are you will feel great and want to continue.
5. Find a buddy to exercise with or try exercise videos.
6. Just say no! Many of us don’t know how to say no and end up often involved in too much, leaving little time for ourselves. Exercise has to be a priority, just like everything else.
7. Sitting for long periods of time can lead to soreness, muscle tension, headaches, backaches, and overall feelings of fatigue. Teach yourself not to sit in one place longer than thirty minutes. Make excuses to get out of your chair. Go to the water cooler. Stand up and stretch your body.
You are more likely to stick to an exercise program if you:
1. Believe you will benefit from it.
2. Include activities you enjoy.
3. Feel you can do the activities correctly and safely.
4. Have access to the activities on a regular basis.
5. Can fit the activities into your daily schedule.
Set realistic goals. Perform the exercises safely and correctly and track your progress to see improvements. If you don’t exercise one day, make sure you start back up again the following day. Exercise should become a commitment you make over your lifetime.
