October 2019
So it seems to go January, February, March… BLINK… November. Running and rushing from one thing to the next in our busy lives doesn’t always leave much time for being proactive about our health.
I have had numerous people tell me lately that they so badly desire to get fit but just don’t know where to start. Our days are so full that squeezing something extra in seems impossible and at this time of year, energy levels are through the floor and even the idea of embarking on a fitness journey is exhausting.
Well in this month’s edition of the newsletter, I’d like to encourage you. Here’s a few tips on how to get started and some benefits of exercise to motivate you to move!
• It starts with a single step!
Walking is the best way to start getting fit for the first time or after a period of inactivity. It’s great because you don’t need any fancy equipment or a special venue. You can do it with your family (or fur-mily) and at any time of day!
• Visualise it and Write it Down!
Studies show that compliance with an exercise plan is much more effective if the intentions are written down on paper.
Things like:
– WHAT am I going to commit to doing?
– WHEN is it going to take place? (*tip: link it to an activity and not a time i.e. before breakfast or straight after work)
– What ATTIRE will I be wearing? Yes, this needs to be planned. Are you just donning your tekkies in your work clothes or changing into “gym clothes”?
– And lastly, WHERE? Do you have a route mapped out around your neighbourhood or do you plan on going to the park or beach?
• Small, consistent efforts yield big results!
You don’t have to go hell for leather and aim to do a marathon in your first month.
When we set unrealistic goals that are unattainable, we burn out before any real results. Here’s a novel idea: make your goal consistency.
Set out to do even 20 minutes of walking 2-3 times per week but with the catch that you must continue for 6 weeks! At the end of the 6 weeks, reward yourself!
• Get a Gadget!
Again, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Get a device that can count your steps. It’s amazing how motivating a number can be!
See what your average daily step count is and then just aim to do 10% more. Trust me—it’s semi-addictive!
• Sign up to a rewards program
Discovery and Momentum are on top of this. They reward members for getting fit by offering them free stuff if they meet their weekly goals.
I mean, who doesn’t like a freebie?!
• Make it unemotional
We have days we feel like it and days we don’t. But don’t let how you feel dictate if you are going to do it or not.
Put it in the diary and just get out there despite your emotions. You’ll probably feel better once you are out on the road in the fresh air.
Which brings me to my final point…
• Focus on the Benefits!
Better cardiovascular health…
Decreased risk of lifestyle diseases…
Improved mental health…
Stronger bones and muscles…
The list goes on and on…
You can have results or you can have excuses. But you can’t have both.
Practice News
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