Wanting to get in shape is great, and certainly something you should be looking into. But just wanting to exercise isn’t enough to make it happen, especially when it comes to maintaining that ambition in the long run. A major challenge is that, once starting an exercise routine, many struggle to follow through with it after a month or two.
There are a few important things to keep in mind in this regard. The trick is that not every form of exercise is right for every person. Running marathons may be a great choice for some, but seem like a gruelling slog to others. Finding the right exercise for you is key, especially when you’ll technically want to be doing that routine for the rest of your life.
The Right Form Of Exercise
Yes, some love heading off to the gym, lifting weights, hitting the treadmill, and getting in some yoga. This is, of course, a great routine to have. But not everyone has the time or for this, and many don’t especially enjoy a gym atmosphere. Perhaps you would rather like to take a walk in the park, listening to some music on headphones? A big misconception is that if you’re not sweating it out in the gym, you aren’t exercise. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are many ways to get exercise, from playing sports, to just walking the dogs. Not all forms will build bulging muscle, but then not everyone is aiming for bulging muscle.
What exercise do you enjoy?
The Right Intensity
Doing ten push-ups, then kicking back to browse New Zealand bingo games on your phone isn’t going to cut it. On the other, pushing yourself until you’re nearly passing out each session is also the wrong approach. There is a comfortable middle ground between these two extremes, and you have to find it. Approaching exercise at a rate you’re comfortable with is a big part of keeping a routine.
Overdoing it will make you less likely to want to exercise again, given that all you’re going to remember is the pain.
The Right Schedule
This is one of the biggest challenges to conquer. You should, in a perfect world, exercise two to three times a week. When can you fit in your exercise, and how long will each session be? Remember; taking a brisk, half hour walk in the later afternoon is fine. You might even find it a relaxing way to end a work day.
When can you exercise, and can you keep that routine in the long run?
Track Your Progress
Lastly; track your progress. Nothing is more likely to keep you going in the long run than seeing improvement. But it is extremely important to have realistic expectations. Get a fitness app on your phone, track each workout session, and attempt to go one step further every week. You’ll be amazed at the progress you make, as long as you don’t expect to be a professional athlete after a month.
Most of all; enjoy your exercise, and it won’t be a slog.