4 Ways to Make Exercising a Habit

“Excellence is not an act, but a habit,” a dandy old dude once said. And habits don’t happen in a blink of an eye, even when it comes to exercising. We promise ourselves to get fitter or work out more. But at some point, we fall off the routine we barely started. Either we lose motivation, or life gets in the way.

Exercise, like excellence, is a habit. Regularly exercising is good for us - physically, mentally, and emotionally. How do we get to the point where it is no longer a chore but a habit? There’s no one correct answer to this. It’s what people say, “different strokes for different folks.” Some folks find a routine faster than others. To many of us, it’s a journey. And when we find it, we need more patience and kindness before it develops into a habit.

Physical activities are healthy for the body, bones, and muscles. It helps us live healthier lives.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

Improves mood - Need an emotional boost after a long day at work? Try walking around your neighborhood, dancing, or playing a sport. Physical activities release endorphins, our happy hormones. They help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Reduce health risks - We’ve heard this one too many times, but it’s worth repeating once in a while. Working out reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers. It helps control and manage high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. It also helps improve cognitive function.

Promotes better sleep - Who wouldn’t want this? Although one can argue that tossing and turning on one’s bed while trying to sleep is a form of exercise, fitness activity can help you fall asleep faster and get better sleep at the same time.

Weight management - Physical movement helps prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. We burn calories when we exercise. We burn more calories when our training is more intense.

Fun, social activity - Some exercises are very social. Whether it’s a yoga class, tai-chi in the park, dancing, or jogging, these activities are better practiced with friends or family. Or it’s a chance to grow your circle of friends.

WAYS TO MAKE EXERCISING A HABIT

Start small - Set yourself up for success. Chiseled abs and defined muscles don’t happen after one full-body workout. Start with something “doable.” You can go on YouTube and find a 10-15 minute training or yoga session for beginners. A more realistic goal helps you create a routine. The slow progression will prevent you from crashing and burning.

Make it fun - Find activities like a barre or spin class. For a more relaxed workout, try walking around your neighborhood with some music also works. Binge on your favorite show while running on the treadmill. And if you find challenging yourself a fun, add 3-4 pound dumbbells while taking a stroll. Or if you love the water, aquatic classes are a sure splash.

Lifestyle-oriented - It’s easier for exercise to turn into a habit when it flows well with your schedule. Are you a strict follower of your calendar? Add a workout at least once or twice a week. But be specific with what kind of activity it’ll be. So, you won’t look at that hour passively. If you’re an early riser, you can do a 10-minute cardio before you hit the shower. If you have a furry friend that needs a daily walk or two, you can add ankle weights to give you a little challenge.

Be patient and kind - Habits take time, so be patient. Finding a suitable physical activity for you can be a fun journey of self-discovery. But while you’re searching for the perfect workout, trust that you are getting stronger and healthier as you try different things. If it’s hard to stick to a routine, be kind to yourself. Don’t punish yourself by talking down to yourself. Practice compassion and find ways to motivate yourself positively.

While we advocate for exercising and its many benefits, we’re not medical doctors. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised in a while and/or have chronic health problems.