With the events of the last several months, managing abnormal stress and anxiety may be an essential part of your life right now. One way you can keep those stress levels low is to make sure you’re remaining active.
True, most of us want to be in better shape, but getting started on a new workout plan can often be the hardest part. Does this sound familiar? You’re motivated, and you’re envisioning a new and healthier tomorrow, only to quit early into your new routine.
We’ve all been there. The reason for the sudden lack of motivation is surprisingly simple: the tough part about starting a workout routine isn’t the physical effort — the difficult part is starting the new routine itself.
Something to keep in mind is that an exercise routine is a habit, and starting a new habit is almost always a mental activity, not a physical one. You’re training your brain to expect the physical exertion of lifting weights, running, yoga, or whatever else you’ve decided to do.
With that in mind, here are some great tips to help you get moving:
- Set a simple goal - It’s easy to go overboard, so set something realistic to work towards
- Create “pre-habits” - Putting on your gym clothes, for example, is easy, but helps remind your brain that what comes next is your workout
- Take it slow - Listen to your body and let it guide you. It can be easy to overdo it at first, but an effective exercise routine is one that you can do for life
- Celebrate the start - Starting a workout is the victory, so celebrate it!
Use these simple tips to build a habit of fitness. Before long, you’ll be feeling better than ever!