Shadow
03-07-2006, 06:10 PM
Once we have adjusted to increased daily activities, it’s time to consider where to go from there in order to keep seeing progress. Exercise (structured physical activity) takes us one step further in achieving the benefits of being more fit and it also makes it easier for us to continue to lead active lives. There is an excellent article (http://72.32.36.211/forum/showthread.php?t=16) in the Born To Be Fit forum that explains the difference between “physical activity” and “exercise” and why both need to be a part of our lives. The article will also explain the difference between the health benefits and the fitness benefits of exercise – and why physical activity is non-negotiable.
For the purposes of this forum, we are going to be discussing just the very basics of getting an exercise program underway. Getting started is always the hardest part of any journey – and that’s why we are here. Once you are accustomed to a basic exercise routine, then it will be time to move on to the BTBF forum where you will learn how to exercise optimally for your goals. But for now, our purpose is simply to get you up and moving.
Contrary to what we may believe, exercise does not have be difficult, does not have to hurt, and it does not have to take extraordinary lengths of time. Exercise is all about enjoying an active lifestyle. It is about taking one more step in tending to our health and achieving more fit bodies that serve us better in daily life and daily activities.
Starting an exercise routine does not have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips, suggestions and advice for getting started.
- Make the decision once. The more times you start and stop, the harder it is to get going again. You have to believe from the beginning that this is vital for your health, will help you function better, and help you live a more active and full life. The more you believe in it, the more likely you’ll succeed.
- Select physical activities you will enjoy. If you don’t know what those activities may be, try experimenting with different things until you find something you can look forward to doing.
- All types of physical activity are beneficial. Once you have become accustomed to your new routine, there will be variations in the exercise you will do depending on your goals. But in the beginning it is best to just focus on establishing the habit of exercise[i]. The only exercise that will help you become more fit is the one(s) you will do – so that is always the best place to start.
- “Variety is the spice of life” – and that applies to exercise too. Be willing to try a variety of things until you find what you will enjoy and what you will look forward to doing. Having a variety of physical activities you enjoy will not only help prevent boredom, but it will help you to avoid overuse injuries and help you to have a more well-rounded routine.
- Develop your plan before beginning. It is very easy to become enthusiastic about starting and then we find ourselves pushing entirely too hard, too soon. Becoming more fit is not going to happen overnight, it will take time. So the best way to approach it is [i]one step at a time.
- Set realistic goals. No one is going to be able to do a marathon overnight. Start in small increments and work up from there.
- Consider 3 basic things when getting started – what you going to do, when you going to do it, and where you will do it. Make sure that it is enjoyable, convenient, and affordable. And make sure you have any needed equipment (like good supportive shoes, proper clothing, etc).
- Your plans should be specific. For example, you decide to start with walking (what) for 10 minutes on your lunch break (when) and you will go to the local park (where).
- Regard exercise as essential – just like nutrition and sleep. That will help you make it a lasting commitment. It needs to become a part of your lifestyle, just like brushing your teeth. And the only way to achieve that is practice, practice, practice.
- Your exercise time is non-negotiable. Just like you would keep an appointment with your doctor or go to work during your scheduled hours, decide on a time for your exercise and stick to it.
- If you find it hard to get going by yourself, involve another party. We may accept our own excuses but others aren’t as gullible. Believe me, Fido doesn’t care that you don’t “feel” like walking. A piece of factual trivia for you – “If your dog is overweight, then YOU’re not getting enough exercise.” So be good to Fido – and yourself – and get out there.
- While your new routine may feel awkward in the beginning, learning new things takes time. Be patient with yourself and remember that the longer you do it, the more comfortable the routine will become.
- Start a workout journal/log. It is a great motivator to see where you began and how far you’ve become.
- Consider trying something new and different if you’re getting tired of the familiar routine.
- Keep in mind that not all the benefits of exercise are external as explained in the article referenced above. There are intangible rewards that come from exercise too such as reduced stress, increased energy, higher self-esteem, an increased feeling of well-being.
The Movers and Shakers forum is here to help get you started. Feel free to post your journey and share your challenges and successes with us.
And don’t forget - once you’ve gotten your basic program underway, please check out the Born To Be Fit forum for more in-depth discussion regarding fitness, exercise and a whole range of other interesting and motivating topics!
For the purposes of this forum, we are going to be discussing just the very basics of getting an exercise program underway. Getting started is always the hardest part of any journey – and that’s why we are here. Once you are accustomed to a basic exercise routine, then it will be time to move on to the BTBF forum where you will learn how to exercise optimally for your goals. But for now, our purpose is simply to get you up and moving.
Contrary to what we may believe, exercise does not have be difficult, does not have to hurt, and it does not have to take extraordinary lengths of time. Exercise is all about enjoying an active lifestyle. It is about taking one more step in tending to our health and achieving more fit bodies that serve us better in daily life and daily activities.
Starting an exercise routine does not have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips, suggestions and advice for getting started.
- Make the decision once. The more times you start and stop, the harder it is to get going again. You have to believe from the beginning that this is vital for your health, will help you function better, and help you live a more active and full life. The more you believe in it, the more likely you’ll succeed.
- Select physical activities you will enjoy. If you don’t know what those activities may be, try experimenting with different things until you find something you can look forward to doing.
- All types of physical activity are beneficial. Once you have become accustomed to your new routine, there will be variations in the exercise you will do depending on your goals. But in the beginning it is best to just focus on establishing the habit of exercise[i]. The only exercise that will help you become more fit is the one(s) you will do – so that is always the best place to start.
- “Variety is the spice of life” – and that applies to exercise too. Be willing to try a variety of things until you find what you will enjoy and what you will look forward to doing. Having a variety of physical activities you enjoy will not only help prevent boredom, but it will help you to avoid overuse injuries and help you to have a more well-rounded routine.
- Develop your plan before beginning. It is very easy to become enthusiastic about starting and then we find ourselves pushing entirely too hard, too soon. Becoming more fit is not going to happen overnight, it will take time. So the best way to approach it is [i]one step at a time.
- Set realistic goals. No one is going to be able to do a marathon overnight. Start in small increments and work up from there.
- Consider 3 basic things when getting started – what you going to do, when you going to do it, and where you will do it. Make sure that it is enjoyable, convenient, and affordable. And make sure you have any needed equipment (like good supportive shoes, proper clothing, etc).
- Your plans should be specific. For example, you decide to start with walking (what) for 10 minutes on your lunch break (when) and you will go to the local park (where).
- Regard exercise as essential – just like nutrition and sleep. That will help you make it a lasting commitment. It needs to become a part of your lifestyle, just like brushing your teeth. And the only way to achieve that is practice, practice, practice.
- Your exercise time is non-negotiable. Just like you would keep an appointment with your doctor or go to work during your scheduled hours, decide on a time for your exercise and stick to it.
- If you find it hard to get going by yourself, involve another party. We may accept our own excuses but others aren’t as gullible. Believe me, Fido doesn’t care that you don’t “feel” like walking. A piece of factual trivia for you – “If your dog is overweight, then YOU’re not getting enough exercise.” So be good to Fido – and yourself – and get out there.
- While your new routine may feel awkward in the beginning, learning new things takes time. Be patient with yourself and remember that the longer you do it, the more comfortable the routine will become.
- Start a workout journal/log. It is a great motivator to see where you began and how far you’ve become.
- Consider trying something new and different if you’re getting tired of the familiar routine.
- Keep in mind that not all the benefits of exercise are external as explained in the article referenced above. There are intangible rewards that come from exercise too such as reduced stress, increased energy, higher self-esteem, an increased feeling of well-being.
The Movers and Shakers forum is here to help get you started. Feel free to post your journey and share your challenges and successes with us.
And don’t forget - once you’ve gotten your basic program underway, please check out the Born To Be Fit forum for more in-depth discussion regarding fitness, exercise and a whole range of other interesting and motivating topics!