The First Steps to Include Fitness into Your Lifestyle
A daily fitness routine does not always come second nature to some people. Finding the time, space, and or money to afford your fitness routine are always major reasons that keep us from a regular fitness routine. But how do we look past those roadblocks and include fitness into your everyday life?
Here are a few steps to help you start off your journey in including a healthy fitness routine into your lifestyle.
GIVE YOURSELF A GOAL
Not a short term goal - think of a lifetime goal. Whatever your goal is, it has to be for you. If you are making a goal that involves weight loss, or someone’s perceived body image for you, it's not going to be a goal you can make into a lifetime habit. So really sit with this one before making any decisions. Figure out the reasons why you want to include a healthy fitness habit into your life… jot it down, share it with a friend and let’s go.
START SMALL
Most people who want to develop a healthy fitness habit think they have to get in shape before they hit the gym. Given you have some additional time during this pandemic, let’s throw this idea right out the window. Best advice - grab your sneakers, your dog, music or podcast and take a walk. Small steps each day and get moving. Bonus points for getting up and going for a walk right in the morning. Research shows morning light helps you feel more awake and alert and fresh air provides your body with a lot of fresh oxygen for the day (especially if you are indoors most of the day).
DO SOME RESEARCH
Think back to a time where you were doing something physically fun and enjoyable and then turn that into where you start your research. There is no one standard workout for every body. Every body craves different movements, listen to what your body is telling you. The fitness world is at a peak and most of every studio is offering virtual ways to workout (and most without a financial commitment). This is the best time to research and find the right movement, that right instructor, workout program or community that speaks to you.
STICK WITH IT!
It is easy to reward yourself for moving and sticking with a routine. If you are constantly rewarding yourself there is a risk you will lose interest in what you are doing. This brings it back to point number 1 remember this is a lifetime goal and lifestyle change. That does not entail running 1.5 miles every day because that is the habit you committed to.
Your fitness journey does not have to start off fast nor should it be perfect. Understanding what you like and don’t like is a part of the journey. Commit to movement, some days walking feels better than running. Don’t punish yourself, embrace what the body is craving.