Easy Ways to Make Exercise a Habit

Not sure about you but I find it difficult to start and stick with my fitness routine. OK, I can start them but the trouble is I cannot  stick with it long enough to stay fit for life. All too often, my enthusiasm and energy wanes, I get distracted by other things. Next thing I know, I don’t see the results quickly enough and I give up.

For some reason many other people do manage to hang in there, What do they know that I don’t?

Here is what I found. Current research shed some light on the subject of long-term exercisers (who had been working out for an average of 13 years). They were asked to rank what motivated them to keep up with their program.

Their answers might surprise you. The exercisers were not as concerned with powerful muscles and awesome abs as they were with feeling good and being healthier.

Here’s how the study participants ranked their motivators:

  • Fitness
  • Feelings of well-being
  • Pep and energy
  • Enjoyment of the exercise
  • Making exercise a priority
  • Sleeping better
  • Feeling alert
  • Being relaxed
  • Weight management
  • Appearance

So, how can you set your priorities and become fit?

WebMD has compiled 10 tips for making fitness a habit in your life.

1. Do a variety of activities you enjoy. And remember, there’s no rule that says you have to go to a gym or buy equipment.

Focus on a variety of physical activities — weight lifting, walking, running, tennis, cycling, and aerobic classes. Be sure to do things regardless of the weather or time of day.

2. Commit to another person. The social aspect of exercise is very important. Share the fun! Walk with a friend after dinner, before work, with the kids to school, with a dog. Maybe you can take a class together.

3. Make exercise a priority. Remember this is non-negotiable. Find the time to set it into your schedule and treat it like any other appointment you keep each day.  Make it part of you identity.

4. Exercise first thing in the morning. When you wake up, you are rested and ready to start the day. Experts agree that a morning schedule is best. If decide to you go to a gym, try and find one located between your home and work. Exercise, take a shower, and you’re energized for the day.”

5. Or, exercise on your way home from work. The next best thing to exercising first thing in the morning is on your way home from work.

6. Exercise even when you’re “too tired.” Chances are, you’ll feel better after exercising.

7. Log your activity. Record your results. It could be how much time you exercise each day, how many steps you walked, how far you ran or cycled, what you weighed, etc.

Try making a game of it. You will be a winner in your own book.

8. Be aware of all the indicators of progress. It’s great when your clothes fit better and you can lift heavier weights or work out longer without getting exhausted.

But there are a slew of other progress indicators, such as:

  • Getting a good night’s sleep.
  • Thinking more clearly.
  • Having more energy.
  • Realizing your muscles aren’t screaming after you’ve helped a friend move furniture.
  • Seeing your resting heart rate drop over time.
  • Hearing your doctor congratulate you on improved cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, triglycerides, and blood sugars.

9. Walk — with a pedometer (or a dog). Experts say, “If you enjoy walking and haven’t exercised for awhile, 10 minutes three times a day will give you 30 minutes.”

Use a pedometer, and work up to at least 10,000 steps a day. Find out what your daily average is, and, the next week, strive to walk 300 extra steps each day. Increase your steps each week.

10. Reward yourself. Experts say that making behavior changes is hard, and rewards motivate. So decide on a goal and a reward, and work toward it. You might buy yourself a video you’ve wanted after you stick to your fitness plan for one month, or buy new walking shoes when you achieve 5,000 steps a day. Do whatever works for you.

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