If you’re new to diet and exercise, you might be aware of the many challenges that can get in your way. Whipping a tired body into shape at six in the morning is difficult enough. By eliminating as many obstacles that you can, you’ll make it easier to keep your commitments, and yes, even find joy in exercise. Consider these recommendations to help you find passion in exercise:
Visualize your goals
You’ve probably heard avid marathoners go on and on about that “runner’s high” they get, waking up at 5 am and running 10 miles. After a few weeks, if running still seems like having your lungs attached to a vacuum, don’t worry. You’re not alone. It takes time for certain exercises to become enjoyable. Maybe you need a motivating goal to work towards. Try visualizing how the exercise will help you achieve that goal. Understanding the “why” behind everything you do in the gym will help you push through the pain and find confidence.
Find your physical passion
While having a goal is important, sometimes it can be difficult for beginners to get into exercise right away. The bench press, treadmills, and other equipment can seem daunting to newcomers. In this case, you should start by simply finding exercises that you are passionate about. This might include sports, yoga classes, zumba, etc. Some people get bored running around a track over and over again, but find immense joy chasing after a basketball or playing tennis. These activities will give you the exercise you’re looking for without boring you or complicating your routine. At first, getting in shape is difficult. Let’s not complicate the process.
Find a partner
Finding a partner who enjoys the same exercise activities can be one of the biggest benefits to working out. Working out with a friend or family member can help you foster good relationships and stay consistent with your goals. Just make sure that if your friend “flakes out” one day that you don’t also. Try to find a workout partner that is even more consistent than you.
Exercise Long Enough
One of the greatest benefits of exercise is the euphoria or “good feeling” one gets after a good workout. This feeling comes from the stress-relieving hormones that are released during and after exercise. To get this feeling, you must workout long enough. So, how long is long enough? We recommend 30 – 60 minutes depending on exercise intensity. You must also avoid over-working yourself which can lead to injury, fatigue, and increased stress. Find the balance so that you’re infused with energy, and not left feeling drained the rest of the day.
Schedule a Time
Exercise and health should be one of your top priorities. When you’re healthy, the rest of the pieces in your life fit much better. If you’re having trouble keeping consistent in your routine, make sure to block out the times when you’ll be exercising. Make it a priority so that nothing gets in the way.
Finally, if you have other questions about diet and exercise, talk to one of our doctors. Call us at 801-724-9840.