Exercise
Why keeping fit is so important
We’ve all heard phrases such as ‘use it or lose it’ and ‘move more eat less’, but actually, for many, exercising can be a struggle. For some, going to the gym it’s too intimidating or too pricey. For others, health issues may prevent the possibility of any exercise. Lack of time or too many responsibilities also feature has common excuses as to why people cannot exercise. However, as long as there is any trace of negative association with exercise, there will also be a barrier. This will then lead you to look for excuses as to why you can’t exercise, as opposed to focusing on reasons you can.
We must consider that we are living a more sedentary lifestyle these days, so our redundant fat stores are being added to, for some people on a daily basis. We no longer walk to the local shops each day like our parents or grandparents did, carrying bags of shopping and fresh produce home. We drive to the supermarket or, if that sounds too strenuous, we can order online and have it delivered to our door.
We no longer need to walk into a restaurant or fast food establishment, with drive-through facilities and home delivery options all available at the touch of a button. Is it any wonder, therefore that as a nation we are gaining weight and our health is declining?
While exercising is a fast-track solution to increased health and weight loss, for many, the prospect of physical activity still seems about as exciting as watching paint dry. Finding and maintaining motivation to exercise is the key. Overcoming the barriers that stand in your way will help you to become healthier both physically and mentally. The fact is that a little movement goes a long way even if you are only able to do this from the chair.
Set goals
Create clear and realistic goals of what you would ultimately like to achieve. These could be things such as: Reducing a size or two in clothes, strengthening muscles and bones, increasing energy levels, and improving your mental health and self-esteem. Use our downloadable PDF to note down these goals in black and white and keep referring back to them.
Now create a visual reference. Find a photograph of yourself when you were looking particularly healthy and pin this on your mirror or somewhere you will see it on a daily basis. Add to this an affirmation that inspires you, invent your own or take a look at a few of our suggestions here.
If you have a hair appointment or an official meeting, you are likely to write this clearly in your diary, on a calendar or enter it into your phone, as a reminder. We would recommend you to do exactly the same with your exercise routine. Write it in your diary and then put a lovely big tick at the side of it when you have completed your exercise.
Where and when
As a general goal, you should aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week. This doesn’t mean you have to be working out in the gym. It can include anything that is physical such as gardening, walking, housework or even running up and down the stairs. You might even want to consider taking up a new hobby such as riding a bicycle, swimming or dancing. If you suffer from mobility issues, there are many exercises you can do from a chair.
*Before beginning any new exercise regime, you should always consult your doctor.
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