When it comes to being healthy, there’s no question that exercise is the key to staying fit. Eating healthy is important, but if it’s not complemented by a fitness routine, then the body has no way to gain the muscle and flexibility it needs to stay healthy. But working exercise into your daily routine can be difficult. Here are 6 ways to force fitness into your life.
1. Exercise with a Partner
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to have someone who will hold you accountable. If you know a friend is waiting for you to arrive so you can go for a run or a walk, you’ll be much more motivated to get ready and go. It also means that you have a firm time for exercise, so you can’t say, “Oh, I’ll go later.” You know you won’t!
2. Pick Something That Motivates You
Decide why you want to work out, and focus on that. Maybe it’s to feel more energetic, healthier, or just to walk up the stairs without breathing heavily. Whatever it is, keep that image in your mind as you exercise. When you don’t want to do it, remember why it is you’re exercising. Maybe you see your grandma who can barely walk, and you’re determined to be in shape when you are her age. Whatever it is, keep that focus.
3. Keep Variety in Your Routine
One surefire way to lose your motivation is to let your exercise routine stagnate. If you do the same thing every day, you’ll get bored, and so will your muscles. If you’re finding yourself dreading your exercise, pick something new. Find a local yoga studio or adult karate class. Attend a Zumba class or swim laps. Just by doing something new, you’ll be re-energized.
4. Get Your Fitness Certificate
One way to really motivate yourself is to earn any number of fitness certificates. This could be a certificate to become a personal trainer or fitness trainer. If you’re looking for a new career, this is a great way to motivate yourself to stay in shape (After all, who would want a flabby personal trainer?) and make some money at the same time.
5. Create a Reward System
Stay motivated by rewarding yourself for exercising. This could be something like letting yourself buy something you’ve been wanting if you exercise for a specific number of days in a row. If you’re trying to lose weight, avoid rewards that involve food.
6. Don’t Pressure Yourself
One thing to avoid is putting too much pressure on yourself. Even if all you can do is go for a 20-minute walk during your lunch hour, that’s still something, so give yourself credit.
A lot of times, exercise is all about your state of mind. Follow these tips, and you will be successful. What is it that helps you force fitness into your life?
