How to motivate yourself to exercise

Last week we discussed why exercise is so important, regardless of age and current physical condition. Today I thought it would be helpful to discuss how you can get yourself motivated to put on those trainers and get moving, because this can be very difficult and often is the obstacle that prevents people from exercising at all.

Focusing on the positive things you will get out of exercise is a great way of motivating yourself. Whether that’s the decreasing number on the bathroom scale, the cupboard full of clothes you will soon be wearing again, or even just the buzz and rush you feel once you’ve completed a work-out session of some kind. Focus on these positive thoughts and feelings and you will be happy to lace up your trainers and head out the door.

Finding success stories to read or even following blogs of others who are undertaking a health and fitness overhaul will offer a wealth of both inspiration and motivation. It is very helpful to read about others who are in a similar position to yourself and experiencing the same struggles, difficulties and set-backs.

Working out with a friend or family member is another great way of gaining motivation. Not only does it make the whole experience more fun, it also makes it less likely that you will miss a session, as you won’t want to let them down.

Finding exercise that you find fun is the best way of sticking to it. If you really hate going to the gym, then try something else. Aerobics classes, dance classes, tennis lessons, joining a swimming club - there are plenty of ways to be active without finding it boring or too much of a chore. Try lots of different things until you hit upon an activity or class that you can’t wait to go to every week.

If anyone has any other suggestions on how to motivate yourself to exercise please feel free to write them below.

Why exercise is important at any age

Exercise and activity is one of the most important ways in which we can keep ourselves healthy. Even if you have never taken exercise seriously it is never too late to start as exercise is good for your health at any age. An active lifestyle has shown to limit the chances of developing serious illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes and even cancer.

As we get older, people are less likely to engage in regular exercise, when in fact this is just the time to be stepping it up as the best way to delay the aging process and keep our heath in tip top shape is through exercise. The aging process can weaken bones and joints and make our bodies more susceptible to illness, but exercise can lessen the effects or even prevent them altogether. Even if walking up stairs leaves you huffing and puffing, regular exercise can build your body up until you are bounding up those stairs, leaving much younger people in your wake.

Older people are often more reluctant to exercise, believing perhaps it will be too strenuous or difficult, but research has shown the opposite is actually true. Furthermore, exercise doesn’t have to be an exhausting sweat session that leaves you stiff for days. It can just be a fun activity that you enjoy doing that does nothing more than raise the heartbeat.

With exercise it is important to start small. Making small changes to our everyday lives - for example taking the stairs instead of the life, will add up to huge changes. Ideally, 30 minutes of light exercise everyday is needed, but you can just start with 10 minutes. Even 5 minutes is better than nothing. Taking that first step is all that is needed because as you get more comfortable and confident that you can do, you will automatically want to increase the time until you are doing at least 30 minutes a day.

Whatever your age or whatever your fitness level, exercise is a vital part of your health. It is not too late to start and you will feel the benefits straight away. Has anyone any good ways of staying fit without exhausting and straining yourself in the process?