Breaking through Obstacles

By Crystal Quintana and Elaine Peabody

You know you want to start an exercise routine, but something is holding you back. Maybe the idea of beginning a regular fitness program is something you’ve just thought about, or maybe you’ve gone so far as to buy expensive equipment and workout clothes that continue to sit unused for months after you’ve purchased them. Either way, something is keeping you from acting on your desire to get fit. The truth is there are probably many things that are keeping you from taking those first steps toward regular exercise. The reasons might actually be physical—such as an old injury or health issues. Or maybe you’re just nervous about trying something new. Whatever your obstacles to fitness are, two things are certain. You can overcome these obstacles, and when you do, your life and your health will improve dramatically.

In today’s busy world, it is often seems difficult—if not impossible—to schedule fitness into our daily routines. The idea of adding one more thing to your already overly packed schedule may seem unbearable, but if you decide to make time for exercise, and its stress-relieving benefits, you will probably discover a little exercise makes the rest of your day more enjoyable. There are many simple ways to work a fitness routine into your agenda.

If your days are packed, and you are just too tired in the evenings, try going to bed earlier and getting up 30 minutes earlier a couple of times a week to exercise. Once you’ve adjusted to that schedule, add a couple more mornings to your workout schedule.
If getting up any earlier than you already do is just unthinkable, try working a few short 10-minutes workouts into your day. Lunchtime is a perfect opportunity to sneak in some exercise. Not only are these mini-workouts easy to squeeze into your schedule, they are also great for anyone who is new to exercise. When you haven’t worked out in years, it is much less daunting to take a ten minute walk than it is to commit yourself to hours at the gym.
Park further away from your destination. If you drive to work, park a block or two away from your building, and finish your commute on foot. Or when you go shopping, park in the last row of the parking lot. It may not seem like much at first, but all those little bouts of exercise add up.
Rethink you free time. If your normal weekend involves going to a movie or lunch with a friend, try going on a hike or a bike ride instead. This way you are having fun and improving your health at the same time. For some people, time is not the factor that keeps them from exercising. Sometimes, exercise can seem just plain boring. Not everyone enjoys going to the gym four times a week and completing the same workout. If this type of exercise sounds stale to you, try exercising in different ways.
Make exercise a social activity. Try walking several times a week with a few friends, or inspire your friends and relatives to play softball with you at your local park.
Check out sports leagues in your community. Recreation centers, health clubs, and even your employer may offer group sports that are fun as well as beneficial.
Vary your routine. Regular exercise doesn’t have to mean that you do the same thing every day. Choose several activities that interest you and get you moving, such as biking, swimming and hiking. If you’re the type of person who has never considered yourself athletic, beginning an exercise routine may be especially intimidating. You may even be afraid that you’ll hurt yourself. But exercise is not about competition or even being a fantastic athlete. You can enjoy the benefits of many different types of exercise without being a superstar. Remember, most of us aren’t! Try these tips if the very idea of exercise is enough to make you sweat.
Pace yourself. Don’t be afraid to start small and build up to more intense workouts or more complicated activities.
Be realistic. For someone who is not used to working out, it is not realistic to say you’re going to work out for an hour a day everyday. You’ll soon lose your stamina. Start with 20 minutes of exercise a day several times a week and go from there. If you try an exercise class, make sure it’s a class for beginners.
Remember why you’re exercising. You are not exercising to impress anyone but yourself. You should be proud of yourself for beginning an exercise routine in the first place. It is great step in the right direction. If you stick with it, you will surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish.

About the Author:

Visit www.theCQmovement.com to get more great snack n go ideas.

Site Search

Breaking through Obstacles

By Crystal Quintana and Elaine Peabody

About the Author:

Navigation

Stay Updated