Waban Moms' Tips

10 Easy Ways to Make Exercise a Habit

1. Do a variety of activities you enjoy. You don’t need to go to a gym or buy equipment if that’s not your thing. One of the best things about getting older is knowing what you ultimately WILL and Will NOT do.  Most people have something involving movement and activity that is enjoyable for them
   A variety of activities, such as walking, weight lifting (can be in your own home) tennis, cycling, dancing, exercise classes, running, can allow you to exercise no matter what the weather.
2. Commit to another person. The social aspect of exercise is very motivating for so many people.  A friend, a spouse, a neighbor, a class instructor who is expecting to see you may be just the impetus you need to get you exercising when, left on your own, you may bagged out!
3. Make exercise a priority.  It has to be non-negotiable. It shouldn’t be “Will I exercise today?” but WHEN will I exercise today.  When it becomes an immutable part of your day, just like any other daily habit like brushing teeth you’ll find yourself fitting it in even when the day is hectic.
4. Exercise first thing in the morning whenever possible. Then fewer life circumstances will interfere. The most successful programs are those that are done right after dropping off the kids in the morning, or a half to an hour after a light breakfast.
5. The next best thing to first thing in the morning is on your way home from work, or right before the kids get home from school. Giving yourself a time framework and deadline for being finished works best.
6. Exercise even when you’re “too tired”. Exercising will enhance your energy, because you have to breathe deeply, and your body makes good use of this oxygen exchange.
7. Log your activity. Write down the things that are important to you- it could be how much you exercised that day, how many steps you walked if you use a pedometer, how far you cycled, etc.
8. Be aware of all the indicators of progress, like clothing fitting better, lifting heavier weights, or improved endurance with less exhaustion. Some other good indicators are improved sleep, thinking more clearly, etc.
9. Walk with a pedometer or a dog. It doesn’t have to be 30 minutes at a time, it could be 10 minutes 3 times a day. Increments count, and make it more manageable within a busy day’s routine.
10. Reward yourself, either with new clothes, a new haircut or something that makes you enjoy your new habit and level of fitness. Do whatever works!

Excerpted from WebMD, 2007