Time: < 30 Minutes
STEP 1: We all know the importance of exercise and that we need to do it. But doing it is what’s going to make the positive differences in your life. Decide that you are going to MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Make it a priority to exercise 2-5 times a week, depending on what is feasible for your schedule right now. You can always adjust the time you set aside to exercise depending on your weekly schedule, so approach your exercise with some flexibility.
STEP 2: Put the times that you will exercise on your calendar. If you are exercising before you leave the house, put your workout gear and shoes by the bed. If you are exercising away from work, put your gym bag in the car so it won’t be forgotten. To allow spontaneity (a walk on your lunch break or an invitation from a friend to attend a yoga class or hike, etc.) carry a pair of tennis shoes and some workout clothes in your car so that you will always be prepared.
STEP 3: Recruit a friend to go with you or have them call you to make sure you get out of the house. If you like, give yourself a reward for each day that you exercise to keep your motivation going…just don’t reward yourself in a way that will diminish your exercise results (i.e. Double Duty Choco Macho or a big slice of pecan pie ala mode…) Over time you will begin to notice that you won’t need the reward as much as you might have in the beginning—the feeling of the endorphins you get from exercising will begin to be what your mind and body crave!
STEP 4: When your alarm goes off, count to five and get up. Dismiss every negative thought that comes your way to try to talk you out of it. This is for you, it’s important to you, and you are the only one who can take care of you. Remind yourself of the reward you’ll enjoy once you complete your session. Fit your exercise in during the part of the day when you are more. If your day has the tendency to get busier as time goes on, enjoy your workout at the start of the day so you are less likely to make excuses or blow it off. It’s important to be realistic with yourself and the unpredictable nature of the day—adapt as necessary.
STEP 5: Once you complete your exercise for the day, reward yourself by giving yourself a pat on the back and a quick pep talk for taking time to prioritize you, your health and your well-being that day. Remind yourself that you are helping your body and mind in EVERY WAY, EVERY TIME you work out. Congratulations.
