New year, new you means many of us are hitting the gyms, boot camps, crossfits and every other fad exercise craze you can think of in hopes of getting the beach bodies we’ve always wanted. And as an avid gym and exercise enthusiast, I’ve definitely become accustom to seeing the masses come in full force in January, and then seeing class sizes dwindle by March. Since I love to get my exercise on, I wanted to share how I managed to make exercise a habit to see if it could help you in taking your new found enthusiasm for working out into a year round enthusiasm.
Trust me, I know how hard it is to stay motivated and keep doing something that you’re not used to doing. But for years now I’ve made a commitment to take care of myself, and I love how I feel as a result. And as much as I’d like to rant and rave that weight loss is what keeps me motivated to keep exercising, it’s not. Sure exercise helps toward that goal, but losing weight is 80% what you eat and 20% exercise. SAY WHAT? Yeah I know. Trust me, I wish those numbers were reversed too. But the reason I keep exercise in my life is because – while I don’t have an unbelievable weight loss story to share – I have been able to lose inches, convert fat into muscle, and I’ve been able to stave off diabetes and high blood pressure, which run in my family. And the reason why I make sure it’s a part of my daily life is because it helps me de-stress, disconnect, and feel like I’m living a healthy life. Sure, I’ve been known to take a week or two off due to vacations or illness (I took a full month off this holiday – yikes), but once I get back into my regular everyday routine, exercise is front and center. All you have to do is follow me on social media to see for yourself.
So here are a few of the things I used to convince myself to get off the couch and into the exercise habit.
Just Move – No Gym Membership Needed
While now I can’t do without my gym membership, when I started my fitness journey, gyms made me nervous because the equipment was foreign to me and I had thoughts of everyone looking and dressing like Jillian Michaels (so not true by the way). So I started by working out at home with just a step and my TV. And now with YouTube, the internet, and apps, you can do the same. With all these resources, many of them free, you’re bound to find something you like to do, regardless of your fitness level or lack of equipment. I personally love anything dance (Zumba, cardio groves, etc.), yoga, kickboxing, pilates, total body workouts and I’ve even been known to do chair exercises.
Don’t have internet or a smartphone? Walk, dance, hop, skip, jump around your house, your block, your neighborhood, the park, the school track, etc. The point is to just get moving.
And if you do decide to take the gym plunge like I did, don’t worry, it’s filled with people just like you and me. Sure, you’ll also find muscle heads and skinny minnies, but we make up the rest of the membership. Plus there is staff on hand to walk you through and help you get acquainted with all the equipment.
Some gyms even offer exercise classes which have instructors to help take the guessing out of what a good work out looks like. It’s the classes that drew me toward the gym because I realized that I wasn’t as disciplined as I thought and started missing my at home workouts. So I decided to slowly move into the gym world to get motivation from watching and working out with others, which has worked wonders in keeping me motivated. Plus each instructor has their own style and exercise class routines tend to change, which this girl who gets bored easily, greatly appreciates.
Work It Into Your Schedule
If you have time to get lost in Facebook posts, viral videos, or the latest Game of Thrones episode, you have 5, 10, 15 minutes to get moving. So take a moment right now to book that appointment with yourself and get it on your calendar, on a fitness app, or get your friends/family to join you on your journey. Accountability like this plays a big part in making something a habit. Still can’t find time? If you’re a morning person, then feel free to follow a common recommendation given to those struggling to find room for exercise in their day, wake up earlier. If you can make that work, kudos to you! As much as I love exercising, I know I’m not a morning person, so this requirement would be a beating for me and would cause me to stop exercising. If that’s you too, trust me there are ways to carve out time in your regular day. I personally have found ways to work in exercise breaks at my desk, during my lunch hour, and after work – depending on my weekly schedule. Once it’s booked, the only thing that ever keeps me from going to the gym is if I forget to pack my gym clothes or have to go home for whatever reason, before making it to the gym, because I always seem to find something to talk myself out of heading back out. So to take that excuse out, much like I prep my lunch the night before, I prep everything gym related (gym clothes, towel, water bottle, etc.) the night before too, so I’m ready to go. I’m telling you, planning like this, will make it easier to make this a habit.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up – Both Literally and Figuratively
The motto no pain no gain is for the birds. No exercise should hurt while you’re doing it. Sure you may be sore for a couple of days, but if you’re too sore to get back at it then you definitely overdid it. So don’t feel like you have to spend hours in the gym or that you need to push yourself beyond your limits to get the full benefits of exercise. I know after a couple of injuries, I’ve gotten really good at knowing my body’s limits and honoring them through out my workouts, regardless how much my trainer, instructor, or workout partner tries to motivate me to push beyond those limits. And guess what, I still managed to have all the health and mental benefits of exercising without having to go days/weeks without because of injury.
Yes I’ve been sporting this look all week, as I continue to rock skirts and dresses…and yes there have been stares, laughter & questions as a result, but #IJustDontCare It’s too hot to cover up & it’s helping my sore ankle
Thanks age, #selfawareness & #selflove for helping me get through 🙂 Happy Friday! A photo posted by Rocio Chavez (@yoursassyself) on
With that said, that push to work harder, burn more calories, etc. is often tied to unrealistic goals, which we willingly set for ourselves, and then beat ourselves up for when we don’t meet them. You know the ones: I’m exercising everyday for 90 minutes so I can lose 20 lbs in a month; so I can fit into that dress; so I can show my face at the wedding/reunion, etc. While anything is possible, may I suggest that you refocus your expectations and focus on smaller goals. Maybe something like: This week I want to be able to: move/walk/run for 5 minutes without stopping; do 3 push-ups off my knees; do 5 jump squats; etc. Removing large, unrealistic goals and encouraging smaller, realistic goals, allows you to have more immediate wins, which you can and should celebrate. Don’t just hit your goal and move on, actually take time to acknowledge the accomplishment and your body for getting you through, then set a new goal for yourself. Once you shift the focus from the end result to smaller milestones along the way, it will be easier to move past whether you lose those 20 lbs or not, and hopefully keep you motivated toward meeting other exercise milestones.
Just a few suggestions to consider in making exercise a habit in your life. But don’t feel like you have to do exactly what I do. You do you, and get moving in whatever way feels most comfortable and natural to you. Remember, you are your only competition. Don’t worry about what others are able to push their bodies to do or not do. Stay focused on what feels right to you and your body, and you too will be one step closer to a healthier life. So get moving…I promise you won’t regret it.
Then, once you’ve made it through the hurdle of making exercise a habit and want to move beyond converting fat to muscle, toward Shedding the Weight, then you may find my recap of Oprah and Deepak’s 21-Day Meditation Experience on this very topic, extremely helpful on your journey. Click here to find out more.
What do you do to exercise now? Do you like working out by yourself or in a group setting?
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Such great tips! It’s so important to get out and move each day, and it makes you feel SO much better, too!
Thanks Heidi, it totally does. Even just stepping outside for a few minutes a day always brings a smile on my face. Here’s to a healthier life!
Good, easy-to-follow-tips! Working exercise into my schedule is probably my biggest challenge, but you’re right – if I can read a few articles on my computer then I have time to get up and do SOMETHING to get my body moving.
Yes, totally the right attitude Chrisy. When I take my mini desk breaks I take a walk around my building, do wall push ups, or a few squats, leg lifts, chair abs – so many options. I hope you find that works for you!
I’m definitely the girl who enjoys working out but gets bored of it very quickly! I did a month of barre classes and loved it, but by the end of the month I was over it. I’ve tried running, but I got sick of it! I stuck with yoga classes for awhile, but then they became too slow and repetitive for me. I think it’s all about switching it up in order to stay with it!
Penn&Quill || Robin
I’m right there with you Robin, I totally get bored easily too, but thankfully I’ve been able to find classes that change instructors, style, etc. every three months, so by the time I’m getting bored of something, I have a new option around the corner. I hope you’re able to keep your exercise variety going.
Great thoughts on staying motivated with exercise. People make it very complicated but it is just about getting moving. Thanks for all the great ideas!
Thanks Heather and totally agree, it’s just about moving.
I really enjoy going to the gym with my husband, but sometimes we’re just not on the same schedule. The times he’d like to go often don’t match up to mine. So my goal is for us to both try to go at the same time so we can motivate each other. During the day I get away from my desk and get moving by taking our family dog Diesel on a nice long walk around the neighborhood.
Nice, I love walks outdoors and time with my furbabies. It totally helps me clear my mind and get energized. Hope you and the hubby are able to find that happy place. 🙂
Such great tips and a VERY important thing to do!
Thanks Claire!
Great tips! This is especially important for desk workers! I try and give myself 15 minutes every hour. A benefit of being self-employed!
That is amazing Tara, good for you! Keep it up, I know your hips and wrists appreciate all the breaks you can give them.
Love this! You’re right, we are the authors of our stories! I have been trying to make exercising a habit but always give up few days in. I get bored easily.
I’m right there with you Elizabeth, that’s why doing classes at the gym has been great for me. I hope you find something that works for you;
I could not agree with you more, you have taken words right out of my mind 😉
I love trying new workouts and my hubby is my workout buddy, currently motivating myself to get back to ShaunT 🙂
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
That’s awesome Kusum & so great you have your workout buddy so close! Here’s to Shaun T making it back into your life.
For years, I’ve tried the DIY route – Youtube videos, home workout vids, etc.. but after a few sessions, I would stop (usually I over-exerted myself to the point of being sore for days!).
Recently, with a new gym opening in city, I took advantage of their yearly rate which costs about 1/3 of their original rate. When they opened, I started going to Zumba and Yoga classes.
I agree with you on making exercise a habit. We should make it a point to make it a part of our daily life. I now go to the gym 3-5 times a week, depending on my schedule and other activities.
I found out that I love group exercises, despite now knowing anyone in the class. My Zin (zumba instructor) is usually the only familiar face I see – she even commented on how I shaped up! 😀
Good to see you being active outdoors.
That’s awesome Tiffany, it’s about finding the right fit and Zumba and yoga are always good for me too. Keep on keeping on ?
Totally agree! I think a big reason people stop exercising is because society has conditioned us to think we need to push our bodies to the extreme in order to see dramatic results. The reality is we need to be gentle with and take care of our bodies and the results are going to be small and gradual (but still worth it).
That’s exactly right Laura. Slow and steady wins the race. So happy you dropped by, have a wonderful day!!