Everyone knows they should exercise but how do you start an exercise routine if you are out of shape and your last experience of exercise was loping around a playing field on school sports day 20 years ago? Here are a few tips to help get you started.
Take the 30/30 challenge. Simply walk for thirty minutes for thirty days straight. You don’t have to walk fast or do it all in one thirty minute session but make sure you accumulate 30 minutes of walking per day for the next month.
Find activities you enjoy. Running may be great for some but if you hate it, it’s not the best choice for you. Don’t commit to any single form of exercise until you are certain you are going to enjoy it and stick with it. Shop around for the best fit!
Team up. I’ll bet you have a friend who would also like to get in shape. Why not get them to commit to getting fit with you? That way, you’ll always have company and some extra pressure not to skip workouts.
Set and keep a workout schedule. Choose a time, three or more times a week that is put aside as your workout time. Keep this time free and do not allow yourself to get double booked. Make sure you keep this appointment as you would any other important commitment.
Start slow. If you have been sedentary for more than a few years, it’s important to realise that you won’t get fit overnight. It takes time, commitment and perseverance to regain your lost fitness so don’t expect to fix your previously sedentary body in a few short weeks. You’ll notice improvements pretty quickly once you commit to regular exercise but resist the temptation to do too much too soon. It’s a sure fire way to end up overtired, disillusioned and an exercise dropout.
