Exercise! It’s such a big topic so I’m breaking it down into multiple posts. This first one is for anyone who struggles to start an exercise routine and keep it going so it’s just a part of your daily life!!
There is no question, the jury is out that regular movement and exercise is good for us. It keeps our joints supple, our muscles strong, our lungs and heart pumping, our metabolism balanced, our hormones working for us, and greatly improves our mental health. It helps with sleep and stress management and increases our confidence. And depending where you do it, it gets us out in nature or connects us with others when we exercise in community.
We all live in different bodies, with various abilities, so it’s super important to build slowly and mindfully, and choose a movement routine that works for you. There are so many options, from chair yoga to walking to weight lifting. Start small and slowly add more length, distance, intensity and/or weight over time. This will help prevent injury and increase your motivation. You will witness improvement without feeling discouraged trying too much too soon.
And while we all know these facts, it can still feel challenging getting started. So here are my tips for those of you starting out wanting to build a movement/exercise routine:
Don’t do it for weight loss!! It doesn’t work. It has plenty of wonderful physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits, but weight loss is not one of them. You’ll just get frustrated and want to give up. Been there, done that! We no longer exercise to lose weight.
Keep it simple and small. It doesn’t have to be big. It has to fit in your life and be easy to do. If the gym is too far away, you probably are less likely to go. Try a yoga video in the morning or a short walk after lunch each day. Try to practice with consistency and add more slowly over time. Nobody runs 3 miles starting out!
Find a workout buddy! Hold them and yourself accountable. If you can’t meet in person, commit to doing the same yoga video or workout at the same time each day and then check in with each other.
Find what gives you joy! There are so many ways to move or exercise. Do what feels good. It may not feel good in the beginning so we have to do it anyway to start. But once you’re doing it and especially after you’ve done it, those feel good neurotransmitters click in and you feel incredible! And it motivates you to do it again!
Whatever you decide to try I hope you enjoy the journey, remember the goal is progress not perfection, listen to your body and then get out there and move!
Finding your Real Forking Change includes figuring out how to build movement and exercise into your life in a sustainable way that works for YOUR body!
Interested? Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call, with me, Chloe!, to find out how I can help.
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