Starting an exercise routine can be difficult. But considering the many health benefits of exercise for your body and mind, there is every reason to exercise. Check out these tips to get you started:
- Start by getting physically active: To maintain good health, physical activity can be a great place to begin. Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. All forms of movement, including walking, dancing, climbing the stairs, gardening, active recreational activities, housework, cycling, and all activities done during the day that require movement are classified as physical activity. Exercise is a planned, structured physical activity. Intensity, duration, and frequency of the exercise are typically used to measure progress in achieving your fitness goals. Look for opportunities during your day to be physically active. Climb the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. Instead of finding the closest parking space, park at a distance, and walk to your destination. Take a dance lesson or join an aerobic exercise session on YouTube in your leisure time instead of sitting and watching TV or scrolling aimlessly through your phone.
- Set an Exercise Goal: What are your reasons for wanting to exercise? Do you want to lose weight or do you want to improve and support your health? Set clear exercise goals, and decide on the type of exercise and intensity to achieve your goals. Find the reason why you want to exercise so that when you feel like giving up, it will motivate you to keep moving.
- Start slowly and progress at your own pace: It does not matter how slowly you start as long as you start moving. Take one step at a time and gradually build yourself into a routine. Vigorous exercise can lead to injury if you have not exercised before or have not exercised in a long time. Allow your body to recover, take rest days if you need to, but stick with it until exercise becomes a habit. It takes two to six weeks for most people to get into a pattern of regular exercise. If you have not exercised in a long time, have a chronic health condition, or are pregnant, check with your doctor before you start to exercise.
- Make exercise fun: Engaging in exercise can be fun. Find a physical activity you enjoy and engage in it. Combine different exercises such as swimming and dancing and have fun while burning those calories. Enjoy nature as you jog or run. Listen to music while you are exercising. Connect with friends and family through group activities. Make new friends by going to the gym. Have fun as you strive towards a healthy life.
- Exercise with a friend: Do you need someone to motivate you to exercise? Exercise with a friend and be accountable to each other. Exercise with a friend to help you stay committed and remember to have fun while exercising.
- Track your progress: Track your progress as you work towards your fitness goals. Write down your progress or use fitness apps to record your progress. Take selfies and reward yourself when you achieve your targets.
Regular physical activity and exercise are necessary for maintaining a healthy life and increasing your life span. Start slow and make it a routine. After a few weeks, it will no longer be difficult but exciting and worth the effort.
