Time for Exercise

So you’ve been a couch potato for years and want to make a change? Don’t plunge straight into a challenging, 7 day a week 3 hours a day routine. Start off easy and build to a reasonable fitness routine.

Your initial exercise plan should consist of activities you enjoy. You’re making a change, so make it as pleasant as possible. There are so many possibilities out there, and they don’t all consist of going to a crowded gym, exercising around a bunch of people you don’t know and comparing your efforts with the efforts of those who have been working out for years.

Instead, think about walking, riding a bicycles, playing a sport. There’s plenty more you can do than just join a gym.

Over a few months, build up to at least 30 minutes a day of exercise. This gets you to that healthy minimum. Try to increase the intensity as well as the duration.

Don’t be afraid to try new activities. You might find a new favorite.

Set goals and reward yourself when you reach a goal. This makes it a little more fun to work harder.

If you like, find a friend or family member who has similar goals. You can workout together or just compare efforts and results over the telephone. A lot of people find that a small touch of competition really drives them to work harder.

Above all else, don’t let minor setbacks cause you to quit. Not everything will always go as planned, and there’s no need to give up all that easily. Acknowledge the setback and get back on track.