A new years resolution to get fit or loose weight can be difficult to keep to. Here are some physiobench tips on the best ways to make an exercise programme an enjoyable part of your daily life.
1. Pick an Enjoyable Exercise Form
The usual recommendation is that 30 mins exercise 5 times a week is necessary for good health. However exercise is classified as anything that raises heart and breathing rates. This includes anything from gardening or a brisk walk to the more commonly thought of forms of exercise such as football or running. Picking an exercise form, or a variety of exercises, that are enjoyable rather than a chore mean that they are more likely to be continued in a long term basis.
2. Peer Support Makes it Easier to Stick to an Exercise Programme
It's far harder to change your mind and stay in the warm in front of the telly if arrangements have been made to meet friends to do the chosen exercise together. If no friends or family want to join in the new years resolution to get fit then there are plenty of clubs and societies who are open to new members.
3. Set Exercise Goals
Having something to aim for focus's the mind on continuing to strive to achieve new skills, get fitter or loose weight. Goals however should be realistic and timely. For instance for a new runner its probably not realistic to be thinking of a spring marathon, but a 10km run may be something to aim for.
4. Make Exercise Part of the Normal Daily Routine
To get fit and loose weight exercise does not have to be done in long sessions, but can be incorporated into a few minutes frequently throughout the day. Try the following suggestions:
- Walk to work, or get off one bus stop further away and walk the rest of the way. At least take the car parking spot furthest from the door.
- Take the stairs instead of the lift or escalator.
- Give up remote controls, get up and move to change the channel instead.
- Increase the tempo of the housework, turn up the music and hoover or dust at a higher work rate.
Remember, however, that with any exercise programs, getting fit and losing weight won't produce an immediate result. Some days will feel harder than others and improvement will be slow, but with perseverance exercise goals will be met and the New Year's resolutions kept.
All exercise is not suitable for all people and if there are any health concerns a medical opinion should be sought before commencing any exercise programmes.
