It can be difficult when you are starting out on your fitness journey to make exercise part of your daily routine. It is something that many face in their quest to become healthy and fit. Research suggests that nearly 73% of people who start a new fitness regime give up before they get to their goal.
To make exercise part of your daily routine, the trick is to make it a habit. Habits form when a task becomes automatic; we just do it without thinking. Below are some practical tips to help you with your exercise habit; you could also read up on how to choose a healthier way to start your day too:
Tip One: Choose a Time
You know your daily routine better than anyone, so set a time when you know you can fit in exercise. Stick with this time no matter what. You are deciding that the specific time is your time and your time to exercise will also signal to others that you can’t be disturbed during your exercise.
Tip Two: Set an Alarm
There are times when we are so engrossed in a task that we forget about the time. Set a reminder on your phone that alerts you to stop what you are doing and exercise. Do it right away and don’t procrastinate.
Tip Three: Set Realistic Goals
Suppose you are new to exercise, set yourself achievable goals. Be realistic and start small. If you are new to exercise, don’t expect to run 5K after a few days! If you over-train, you can burn out, and this sets you back. As you are using more energy, you need to ensure you are eating right and increase your vitamin intake if needed, and you can purchase these at a supplement store.
Tip Four: Make it Fun
There is no point in doing exercise that you don’t like. It won’t motivate you, and you won’t want to continue with it. Make it fun, listen to music, opt for exercise such as dance if that’s what you like doing. Work out with a friend or partner. The more fun exercise is, the more you will want to do it.
Tip Five: Preparation
Set out your exercise gear the day or night before. The fewer obstacles you put in your way, the more chance you will continue with your exercise, and it will become a habit.
Tip Six: Change it Up
We can often get bored with doing the same thing over and over again. Mix it up by making use of different exercise types and locations too. IF you workout at home, try the gym or an exercise class. As long as you are doing exercise and enjoying it you will continue to make it part of your daily routine.
Tip Seven: Rest Day
Build in a rest day. Recovery from exercise is so important, and you don’t want to burn yourself out. Remind yourself that your rest day is essential, but it’s also essential to get back to it too. This is particularly true if you have built-in weights to your exercise routine. Your muscles will need to rest.