Top 5 Exercise Tips.
Exercising can seem like another ‘job’ we have to fit into our already busy lives.
When we decide to get fit and take on a new exercise challenge we can overdo it and injure ourselves and therefore have to stop or find that what we have taken on isn’t sustainable for our particular lifestyle.
As we get older and the seasons of our life change our priorities change but we still need to find a way of moving consistently to protect our health now and invest in a healthy future.
Here are my 5 Top Tips to include exercise into your lifestyle, consistently…
Do something you ENJOY!
An exercise routine is for Life, not just a few months before a big event!
To make it something to look forward to and something you will be consistent with and therefore see progress and results from, choose something you enjoy doing.
I love swimming, it’s not everyone’s exercise of choice but as soon as I see a pool I feel calm, the repetitive motion free’s my brain to wander and I often solve issues that have been bothering me during the day, I just need to remember the solution once I have left the pool haha!
If your current exercise routine makes you stressed it is going to completely negate any positive effects. Think about how your body enjoys moving, what activities did you enjoy as a kid, find some fun ways to move.
Make it a Habit
Turning actions into Habits reduces decision fatigue.
We have enough decisions to make in our everyday lives if we end up having to decide what exercise we are going to do and when we are doing it chances are it will get put off until tomorrow.
Are there particular times in your weekly schedule you can consistently take a run or a walk? When you brush your teeth can you incorporate squats or lunges? Can you get up 15 minutes early and perform a short Yoga routine or a quick Hiit workout?
Decide what you can manage, write it down on a Habit Tracker, turn it into a Habit, no decisions needed.
Keep Track
Using a Fitbit or an exercise app can increase motivation.
Tracking your activity by the week rather than a month can help keep you going too. If you have had a busy week and haven’t been able to do as much as you planned its quickly the next week and you can get straight back on track.
Challenge yourself. Can you increase the number of steps you did compared to last week? Can you increase your distance or decrease your time? How are you going to do this, plan it in small increments.
Enlist a friend
Making a date with a friend can help you look forward to an activity OR more reluctant to cancel if you think someone else is depending on you to turn up. Be accountability buddies.
Working out with a friend can take your mind off the pain of exercise and increase endurance.
An exercise date with a friend is a great way to make sure you are connecting with friends while committing to a healthier lifestyle.
Measure your progress
- Take your body measurements weekly (the scales may not move but your inches might!)
- Measure your distance, make a plan to build on this.
- Make note of the number of days you have exercised, reward yourself for your commitment.
- Count your ‘active’ minutes, realise you have done more than you thought.
It is easy to be hard on ourselves, feel like we are not making the progress we want and think “what’s the point” and give up. Measuring your progress will help you see small gains, celebrate small wins and keep you going and consistent.
If you would like to chat with me about your unique menopause transition, book a Wild Well-Being call and come away inspired and motivated to begin your journey to optimal health.