Are you an exerciser? Surveys show that 24% of Americans over the age of 18 are not active at all. Scary!!
If your one of the 76% who don't exercise here are some tips to get started:
- Get medical clearance. As your RD I feel an obligation to advice this, ALTHOUGH I'm sure the majority of my readers can bypass this step unless there are known physical limitations.
- Pick an activity that you enjoy. You're going to be sooo much more likely to stick with it if you don't dread the activity. Try out a fun aerobics class, go swimming, how about Wii Fit, or download my playlist and go for a walk or just dance!
- Start slow. Don't go gang busters when you first start your exercise routine- your more likely to injure yourself or simply burn out.
- Make it routine. Don't just say your going to exercise "sometime" today, have a set exercise time. Your less likely to let other things crowd out your exercise time if you have a set appointment with yourself.
- Set a goal. Most times we are more motivated it we have something to work toward. Maybe you could have a goal to walk a 5K by the end of summer or to master all the Yoga Poses on the Wii Fit in 2 months. (I do caution against a weight loss goal as your motivation- although weight loss is often a side effect of exercise it SHOULD NOT be your only source of motivation- more on this topic in the future!)
- Set up a Reward System. How about buying a new workout outfit after one month of exercise or treating yourself to a massage after your able to swim 5 laps.
- Get an exercise buddy. Not only will a workout partner make you more accountable to show up but it will also make the exercise so much more enjoyable. I know I burn so many more calories when I workout with my exercise buddy because she keeps me laughing the whole time.
- Just get started!!!!! The hardest part of beginning an exercise program is just getting started. So no more excuses, step away from the computer, and GO!!!
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