There comes a point in every one's life, when suddenly, metabolism slows down and there is definite weight gain. Or, you suddenly find yourself in a monotonous rut with zero energy or enthusiasm. You crave a breath of fresh air - anything that will help you find the old energetic you. And you guessed right - daily exercise is the first step in that direction. However, starting an exercise routine, after a long gap, is a challenge that takes enormous will power. Here are some pointers that will help you kick-start a new fitness routine, and stick to it...
1) Stop making excuses - look for solutions
No excuse is good enough. Even if you have never had an issue with weight, a good exercise program will help transform your body into what it is really designed to be. It will help you get rid of lethargy and make you a whole lot more fun to be around. But of course, you are far too busy to exercise. Let's see how we can counter that, shall we?
2) Join a class you enjoyGiven the wide array of fitness activities available to us these days, there will definitely be some class, some routine, somewhere, that suits your busy schedule. How about weekends? Just decide what you like; be it dance or play and join. One huge advantage is that exercising is very addictive. Ask someone (me) who is not a morning person but still makes it to her Bootcamp at 6:15 am twice a week. The only reason I go is that, that intense workout is an addiction for me and my body craves it (it's been a part of my routine for nearly a year now).
3) Don’t torture yourself - If you hate it, change itIf you hate the treadmill or if you hate stepping inside a gym because it makes you feel claustrophobic, don’t do it. Call a yoga instructor home, join a yoga class, join any of the running groups out there, join an outdoor fitness workout group, take up learning how to play a sport; the opportunities to learn are endless. You don’t have to do something you dread.
4) Find a workout buddyIt can be a friend, spouse or sibling; anyone who can motivate you. Take out half an hour after dinner in the evening and go for a walk with your spouse everyday. Up the tempo and make sure both of you are out of breath and sweaty by the time you return. Take up the responsibility of walking your dog instead of anyone else, or volunteer to talk the neighbour’s dog.
We’re not saying that it's easy. It's no mean feat to leave the comfortable embrace of your old armchair, and venture into unknown territory. But both your body and mind want it and you know it will benefit you. Use exercise to relax, to de-stress, to get more energy, to become less lethargic and irritable, and to find that spark that may be amiss at the moment. Most importantly, remember to have fun while you’re at it.
1) Stop making excuses - look for solutions
No excuse is good enough. Even if you have never had an issue with weight, a good exercise program will help transform your body into what it is really designed to be. It will help you get rid of lethargy and make you a whole lot more fun to be around. But of course, you are far too busy to exercise. Let's see how we can counter that, shall we?
2) Join a class you enjoyGiven the wide array of fitness activities available to us these days, there will definitely be some class, some routine, somewhere, that suits your busy schedule. How about weekends? Just decide what you like; be it dance or play and join. One huge advantage is that exercising is very addictive. Ask someone (me) who is not a morning person but still makes it to her Bootcamp at 6:15 am twice a week. The only reason I go is that, that intense workout is an addiction for me and my body craves it (it's been a part of my routine for nearly a year now).
3) Don’t torture yourself - If you hate it, change itIf you hate the treadmill or if you hate stepping inside a gym because it makes you feel claustrophobic, don’t do it. Call a yoga instructor home, join a yoga class, join any of the running groups out there, join an outdoor fitness workout group, take up learning how to play a sport; the opportunities to learn are endless. You don’t have to do something you dread.
4) Find a workout buddyIt can be a friend, spouse or sibling; anyone who can motivate you. Take out half an hour after dinner in the evening and go for a walk with your spouse everyday. Up the tempo and make sure both of you are out of breath and sweaty by the time you return. Take up the responsibility of walking your dog instead of anyone else, or volunteer to talk the neighbour’s dog.
We’re not saying that it's easy. It's no mean feat to leave the comfortable embrace of your old armchair, and venture into unknown territory. But both your body and mind want it and you know it will benefit you. Use exercise to relax, to de-stress, to get more energy, to become less lethargic and irritable, and to find that spark that may be amiss at the moment. Most importantly, remember to have fun while you’re at it.
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