Healthy Exercise: 5 Ways to Get Started Today

I’m a firm believer that exercise should be incorporated into your healthy regime. When I was at my heaviest (207 lbs.), I hated exercise. Any way I could excuse myself from sweating I found it. Once I made a conscious effort to lose the pounds I knew it had to include both dieting and exercise.

For many people dieting and exercise together when you’re overweight seems like a daunting task. The word “diet” alone is scary enough but pushing you to get up at the crack of dawn or to come home after a long day at work to exert yourself, seems like too much pressure. Taking a walk when you’re heavy or joining a gym seems embarrassing.

How you look at exercise has a lot to do with whether or not you’ll allow yourself to take that path. If you look at exercise from a healthy perspective both mind and body you may be able to release yourself from the negativity the word conjures up.

Here are 5 healthy ways to look at exercise:

1. Exercise at your own pace. Competition is not the key. Easing your way into exercise is important for it to become long-term. In the beginning I only strength trained with my friend Jorge’s “3-Hour Diet” book. It took me 8 minutes. I slowly incorporated other exercises as my weight started coming off. Slowly incorporating exercise into my day made the whole idea less stressful and more doable.

2. Exercise with a friend. When I first decided to add physical fitness to my daily routine I had a friend who knew my plight. Her kind gesture to call and start walking with me was greatly appreciated. During the summer months we walked and talked at least 2 or 3 times a week. In the winter we found a local mall in our area that opened early for walkers. Walking became my favorite form of exercise. I love nature and being outdoors. My vacations revolve around walking and staying fit. I can take my tennis shoes anywhere and I’ve taken in some beautiful scenery wherever I go.

3. Exercise for fun. Finding an exercise that fits who you are is important. If you don’t like aerobic exercise then don’t do it. I love Bike riding and aerobics. I love walking and Zumba classes. You may find hiking and rollerblading or running and strength training are your forte. Whatever it takes do it to make it last. Exercise should be fun and exciting. Doing many different forms of exercise will keep you interested.

4. Exercise with a Plan. Make it fun and print out a calendar from your computer or buy one at an office supply store. Dedicate each day to something physical. Penciling in a routine will keep you on track. We all pencil in doctor’s appointments and family agendas, make your life a priority too.

5. Compliment Yourself. This is the most important thing. Don’t wait for others to notice a change. If you go that extra mile on your walk or if you finally figured out what time of day works best praise your efforts. The littlest things matter. Your opinion is what counts most of all.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner