Having Trouble Getting Started With Exercise? Try These Helpful Tactics
Let’s face it, knowing how to start exercising can be downright challenging. Unfortunately, the fitness industry doesn’t help matters by continually pumping out “one size fits all” fitness advice along with “the latest and greatest” exercise fads. Best to ignore this nonsense, and instead focus on building an exercise program that is challenging, enjoyable, and sustainable. Your exercise program should enrich your life, and give you the confidence to take on new challenges and adventures.
Why You Should Start Exercising
The common benefits earned from cardio focused exercise such as walking, hiking, running, biking, include improved weight management and heart health. Exercise using weights, also known as strength training combines the benefits of cardio exercise with increased muscle mass and improved muscle tone. Below are additional benefits gained from starting a strength training program:
Increased metabolism enabling you to burn more calories while at rest.
Improved cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.
Improved glucose control, reducing type 2 diabetes risk.
Increased bone density, reducing symptoms of osteoporosis, arthritis, & back pain.
Increased muscle building hormones, helping you look and feel younger!
When to Start Exercising
Start exercising now! It’s never too late. Exercise is the best medicine we have to feel better, improve our health, and fight against aging…and it’s practically free! All we have to do is make the time to do it.
Think about this, 1 hour of exercise will take just 4% of your day. Exercising 5 days a week requires just 3% of your week. Is investing 3% of your week worth your time to feel better, get stronger, and remain active and independent the rest of your life?
Understand that it will likely require an investment of 4-6 weeks of consistent exercise to get results. Your results won’t happen overnight, but will be earned from an accumulation of many small gains.
How to Start Exercising
I believe one of the most effective ways to start exercising is to set a fitness goal, or committing to a fun and challenging group fitness event. Then put the goal or event on your calendar and announce it to your friends, family, and co-workers. Committing to an event will help you stay focused and provide a reason to stick to your training schedule.
What challenging goals or events would you like to complete this year? A weekend hike on the Colorado Trail? A cycling event such as Ride the Rockies? An active summer vacation with your family? Use your imagination and come up with something challenging and fun!
Here are other tactics that can help you start and stick with your exercise program:
Select exercise buddies among your friends and family who will help keep you accountable.
Add workout time into your weekly schedule that is non-negotiable.
Plan exercise around established daily habits.
Invest in a gym membership or home fitness equipment.
Invest in working with a personal trainer.
Find a nearby path and go for a walk or bike ride—even if it’s just 30 mins. Add 5-10 minutes to your walks or rides and work up to 1 hour sessions 2-3 times each week. For an added challenge, mix in 1-5 minute fast intervals, or hill inclines.
To learn more about starting a safe and effective exercise program that will increase your strength, mobility, balance, and endurance, click on the link below.
