No matter how many times you have put off getting started on an exercise routine, it’s never too late to try again. People are living longer today but reaching the age of 100 is only a good thing if you are still vital. You probably feel more like you’re 100 now if you aren’t taking good care of yourself. Well, it’s a new day and there are things you can do that will give you the motivation to succeed this time!
- Decide on which fitness routine you most enjoy. You do not have to start directly with a high-paced program that you see on an infomercial, see 21 Day Fix,. If getting up a half hour earlier than usual to take a brisk walk for 30 minutes, start there. Consistency is more important than intensity right now, that will come later.
- Determine your routine. Start out with a workout regimen of 3 times a week. Even if it feels like it’s not enough, it’s already an hour-and-a-half more than you have been doing. If you start a routine that is too difficult you will find every reason not to do it.
- Reward your healthy diet with a small treat each week. Many people, even on the strictest diets follow the 80/20 rule – they follow a fairly strict plan 80 percent of the time and have a splurge 20 percent. This means if you eat properly and complete your morning walks 3 times the first week, treat yourself to a flavored coffee or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. This small reward will feel better because you know you have earned it.
- Put it on the books. Make it number one on your list of “things to do,” write it in your day planner, or mark it on your calendar. It is just as important as a doctor’s appointment or a haircut so writing it down gives it the proper validity.
- Dress the part. If you don’t have the proper ensemble, find a pair of comfortable pants, loose shirt, good walking shoes, and set them out the night before so everything is ready to go in the morning. Don’t leave room for any excuses that you can’t find your shoes, you have nothing to wear, or you don’t have time.
- Make it fun! This means you might want to switch this from a morning walk to an evening walk and invite your spouse or a friend. It’s a great time to hear about your spouse’s day or catch up on your friend’s new boyfriend, job, or whatever is happening in her life. If no one wants to join in, treat yourself to some headphones and download your favorite tunes. You can listen to an audio book or even try learning a new language as you complete each walk.
- Treat yourself to something each time you step up your routine. When you add a 4th walk for the week treat yourself to something that will remind you of your accomplishment. Pick up a small set of hand weights for when you decide to add strength training.
- Challenge yourself. Now that you have officially moved yourself from couch potato status to someone who works out, look for a beginner’s marathon walk/run that is set for a few months into the future. There are always events that are for a charitable cause and if you can get a few friends together you can make it a fun event. Setting this goal, participating in the walk, and actually completing a set destination will provide you with enough motivation to take on anything new you set your mind to. You can keep whatever routine works for you or progress to a gym membership, it’s all up to you.
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