20 IDEAS TO KEEP YOU EXERCISE-ORIENTED
1. Take up something you’ll enjoy. If you aren’t keen on workouts at the gym, you can do some cycling, dancing, walking, gardening, yoga or you can play your favourite game, such as basketball. To set up a routine of moving, you should pick up the activity that makes movement enjoyable. Exercise, whatever its form, needs to suit your self-expression. For instance, those who wish to put on their trendy clothes can still cycle to work, whereas tracksuit lovers can frequent their visits to the gym.
2. Take your daily workout in a few goes. Most people do their entire exercise in one go. You don’t need to follow that pattern if you can’t keep up with it. Training for a couple of minutes in the morning, at noon and in the evening would have the same result as the 30-minute workout.
3. Get a friend with you. Having a person you’re fond of next to you while you exercise will make you feel even more enthusiastic.
4. Speed things up. Speed does indeed matter. If you opt for walking, for example, keep it brisk. It is only this way that you can achieve the effects you’re looking for. Normal pace cannot do that. Next time you go out for a walk, do it as if you’re in a hurry to meet someone. Why not counting your steps per minute? The speed of about 3 to 4 miles per hour is obtainable with 120 to 135 steps per minute, which will be a very decent start. If you find it hard, though, try speeding your steps for short periods only or on different days of the week. You’ll see that you’ll get better and better with practice.
5. Use your lunch break to move. Typically, this is the time when people sit around and enjoy their meals. You can try taking a 20-minute walk with your colleagues, for example, and have your lunch after that.
6. Measure how much you really move. Sure you’ve heard about pedometers, or step-counters. The best thing about them is that they are cheap and easy to use. They will be a reliable means of seeing how much you move throughout the day. Can you do as many as 7,000 steps a day? Good for you!
7. Elevators and escalators? No, thanks. Take the stairs whenever you get the chance.
8. Replace your ‘best friends’. Yes, I know how much you love your PC, smart phone and TV. The time you spend when engaged with them, however, is one of inactivity. Liven things a little by going to the gym or just moving about the house.
9. Cut down your time of travelling. When taking the bus or the subway, get off on the previous stop and walk to reach the place you’ve headed for.
10. Park your car as far as possible. When you’re out with your car, find ways to park it slightly away from where you usually do. It’s only a few steps more, you would say, but in weeks and months you’ll notice the difference.
11. A gym at the house? Why not. Stationary bicycles, treadmills and elliptical machines are excellent pieces of cardiovascular equipment to supply your home with. After all, what can be better than exercising amid the comfort of your home? What is more, there are plenty of cheap models available. Be careful, though, as they can well be less stable.
12. Groove on it. Experiment with something new, such as rollerblading. The more thrilling the activity, the greater your interest and motivation.
13. Be social. Need more social contacts? Perhaps a little chat or something? Walking with a friend, your spouse or a relative is a marvelous opportunity!
14. Enroll in a new class. These days, a lot of local gyms or studios offer diverse classes that are free to join. Taking up some yoga or dancing, for example, might enable you to learn something new, while also keeping you fit.
15. Combine rest and exercise. Most people usually relax after their cardiovascular training. For optimum results, you can keep moving around while enjoying a movie, reading or talking on the phone.
16. Write down every exercise you do. Being able to revise exactly how active you were in the last couple of weeks will give you better perspective on how you’re doing.
17. Let walking and cycling replace the car. Little everyday tasks that come up all of a sudden can be a real bother. Next time you need to go downtown for anything like this, do it on foot or with your bike.
18. Seek professional advice. It’s always good to consult a professional. Get in touch with a personal trainer and inquire after an individual training program. You’ll know you’re doing things the right way, which will make you confident to proceed on your own.
19. Fit physical activity into your daily schedule. Plan training for the day in advance, so that you have the sufficient amount of time.
20. Acknowledge your progress. Challenge yourself with moderate tasks, such as finishing a road race or taking part in a charity walk. These will boost your confidence and will kindle your appetite for further success. You can even buy yourself a present for the efforts, such as a new training outfit or a heart rate monitor.
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