Has your fitness routine fizzled? It’s time to reignite your motivation! Incorporating exercise into your daily lifestyle is simply a case of mind over matter. Here’s what to do.
Two of the most common barriers people face in getting into a regular exercise routine is simple: lack of time and motivation. These apparent barriers can sometimes feel impossible to overcome, especially after you emerge from the cozy ‘comfort food’ lifestyle of winter.
You have undoubtedly heard the saying ‘staying on top of your health and fitness is a lifestyle choice’. This is easier said than done, but people who stick to exercise long term (think of the most successful athletes and entrepreneurs) all possess one thing in common: they all have a strong enough reason for ‘why’.
If your ‘why’ is compelling enough, you’re well on your way to a long-term exercise regimen. Think about what ignites your ‘why’.
• Does staying fit and healthy give you more energy and therefore help you become a more effective leader?
• Do you have a family history of heart disease and have a spouse and children who depend on you?
• Do you have a tropical holiday approaching and you want to look and feel your absolute best?
• Are you simply bored with life and looking for a new challenge, such as competing in a half marathon, running in the next City2Surf, or even the Iron Man?
So the next time you put your sneakers away, remember it is the small decisions you make on a daily basis that can have a major impact on your overall wellbeing. It’s your choice to make it happen.
Tips to help you exercise your way to the top
- Incorporate incidental exercise. Fitting in 3 x 10 mins sessions is equivalent to 1 x 30min session in terms of calorie expenditure. Walk more, drive less. Try squats and push-ups in front of your TV.
- Incorporate interval training, the most proven method to increase cardio fitness and burn calories fast.
- Get good quality sleep.
- Try exercising in the morning and feel energised and fit for the rest of the day.
- Build up to a routine and block out specific times you want to exercise in your weekly schedule. Do not compromise the time you invest in yourself!
- Create a new health and fitness goal – speak to a qualified exercise professional that can help you set up an individualised training program.
- Find an activity you enjoy!
- Exercise with friends and family. It’s more fun that way and you can keep each other motivated and accountable!
