Get Active Stay Active
I know it doesn't feel like it right now, but spring is coming, so below is a quick-and-dirty primer on the reasons you should be exercising coupled with some rah-rah motivational strategies to get you going and keep you going.
Exercise benefits
Energy increase l Manufacture and release of endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals l Amplified strength and stamina l Increase in brain power, clear thinking l Disease and disability prevention l Better, deeper, more restful sleep l Alleviates depression l Decreases stress l Increases lean tissue and decreases body fat l Enhances circulation l Keeps bones strong and prevents osteoporosis l Increases self-esteem l Helps to break other bad habits: eating junk food, smoking, drinking alcohol to excess
Exercise myths
Aerobic exercise is more important than strength training l You have to be skinny to be healthy l How you look is more important than how you feel l You have to exercise constantly to realize any benefit l No pain, no gain l Laziness makes you fat – overweight is a character flaw
Exercise facts
Amount of activity determines overall health, not body size l Feel good, look good l Any exercise is better than none at all l Heredity is the single most determining factor of body size
Motivation to begin
Use self rewards l Toot your own horn: make a big deal of every accomplishment l Take a class through your local parks and rec – something you've always meant to do like belly dancing or water ballet l Start a group and perform fitness videos together l Be active with your family – quality time like biking, hiking, swimming, even flying kites or learning to skateboard together
Motivation to continue
Make exercise a priority (it has to be equal to brushing your teeth and putting on your shoes) l Find the time (watch your agenda) l Assign a time (consistency) l Do it (make it fun) l Make it a habit (it'll take 6-8 weeks for the habit to be ingrained, so stick with it) l Use positive thinking (Tell yourself you're giving yourself a gift, not depriving yourself of time to watch TV) l Reduce the obstacles (put your exercise clothes out before you go to bed, keep your bike in top condition, pay for your gym membership ahead of time) l Hitch exercise to an essential (bike to work!) l Have others help you be accountable l Find a role model l Acknowledge that there are pros and cons l Don’t sweat the times you don't exercise – give yourself permission to skip once in a while