How to Make Exercise a Part of Your Life

Lisa Franchi December 09, 2014

Do you have this “love and hate” relationship with exercise? You’re not alone. Most people do. Each year, thousands of people make a promise to themselves that they are going to make exercise a part of their life. But after a few weeks or months, for reasons they can’t figure out, the go back to their old, sedentary lifestyle again.

Fortunately, you can be different. You probably know a few people who are obsessed about working out. Those who smile and laugh after a three-hour strenuous training. Those who can’t stop talking about their next 10K. Those who get furious when a day has gone and they haven’t worn their running shoes.

You too, can be like them. You too can be more than motivated to make physical activity a part of your life. You too, can be an exercise addict!

And here’s how.

Be an early riser.

If your number one reason for not exercising regularly is lack of time, here’s one thing you can do – wake up early! Rising early gives you more time to perform all your daily activities without being interfered by exercise.

Do it in the morning.

Researchers from the University of North Texas found that working out at the same time every day may help you improve more quickly. Other studies suggest that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick with their workout than those who exercise later in the day.

Don’t stop for 6 weeks.

To make it a habit that stick, don’t quit your workout session for 6 weeks. At this point, you are more likely to see positive changes in your body. And once you see these changes you won’t want to go back to the ‘old you’ again.

Hire a trainer.

A personal trainer can make it easier for you to reach your goals. Plus, they can be an extra source of motivation. A good trainer can help you make yourself accountable and will push you to work your hardest using positive reinforcement.

Make it convenient.

If it takes you an hour or more to get to the gym, you will find working out a taxing routine and you’re most likely to quit it sooner or later. So make exercising more convenient. Find the nearest gym. If you’re exercising from home, make sure you are equipped with the right tools, including mat and a good pair of shoes. Plan ahead to make sure you’ve got everything you need.

Don’t overdo it.

Many people, especially beginners, fall into the trap of doing too much too soon. Even if you’re not new to exercising, if you have been sedentary for a long time, you must be a little more careful. Feelings of exhaustion, body pain, and worse – injury can keep you sedentary for even longer.

Make it a special experience.

Exercising doesn’t have to be boring. Trick yourself into looking forward to exercise by making it the only time you treat yourself to something special. For instance, pick a favourite TV show you only get to watch when you are on a treadmill, or a playlist you listen to when you’re working out. You’ll start to look working out as less as a chore and more as something fun and rewarding.

To reap the benefits of exercising, you must aim to make it a habit – a routine that you do on a regular basis without thinking twice. Sure it’s going to take time. But these tips can certainly speed up the process.