Exercising
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do to maintain good health. There are excellent reasons to exercise; improving energy, sleep and health, reducing anxiety, stress and depression. It doesn’t just make us physically fit but also mentally and emotionally.

But knowing why and how to exercise is not enough, if not, we all will be in shape and perfectly fit. Soon after you start exercising, you will see the benefits that physical activity can have on your body and well being.

However, working exercise into your routine takes a lot of determination and sticking to it for a long term requires a lot of discipline. Here is all you need about starting an exercise routine and sticking to it: It is essential you consider a few things before you start an exercise routine.

1. Check your health

It is essential to see a doctor and get a medical examination before starting an exercise routine. It is essential for those not used to strenuous activities as well as people aged 45 and above. It’s also important so you can know your limit during exercise. An early checkup can also help detect any health problem that can put you at risk during exercise.

2. Make a plan and set a realistic goal

Once you’ve made a decision to exercise regularly, try to make a plan that include attainable steps and goals. Make sure your plans are easy steps to follow. Start with small goals. Starting with small goals does not only increase your chance of success but also keeps you motivated as you go.

3. Make it automatic with triggers

Triggers are on secret of success when it comes to forming an exercise habit. Triggers are simply reminders, they put routine on autopilot, so there’s nothing to think or decide on. The alarm goes off and you know you are supposed to be at the gym or out for a walk or a run.

4. Reward yourself

It’s often a good idea to attach a reward to yourself after a specific exercise goal was met. Maybe you give yourself a treat after setting a goal to run a 100 meter race daily for a week and you did it. Choose something to look up to but don’t allow yourself do it until after exercise.

5. Make it a habit

Sticking to your routine is one key component of exercise success. Its easier to exercise regularly for a long time if you make it a habit and do it regularly. One way to replace a bad habit is to replace with a good one, exercising can be the replacement and this is a great approach to maintaining it in the long term.

Making a schedule to work out at same time everyday is a good approach to making it a habit. There are a few additional tips for beginners:

  1. Stay hydrated.
  2. Optimise your nutrition, consume a balanced diet that supports your fitness program.
  3. Warm up before a workout.
  4. Cool down, helps you return to your normal state.
  5. Listen to your body, because you are not used to working out, be mindful of your limits. If you feel pains during exercise, stop and rest before you continue again.

Starting an exercise routine can be challenging. However, having real objectives can help you maintain a fitness program in the long run.

So! What are you waiting for? Start exercising today. I hope you learned a thing or two? Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments.