It’s Monday morning. Or, May 1. Or, the first day of spring. Maybe it’s just a day that we look in the mirror and say “It’s time!”
Beginning an exercise routine can be daunting, to be sure. There are so many questions that can prevent you from starting today. They’re like little road blocks on your path to being a healthier and more fit version of you. Where do I start? Do I have to belong to a gym? What shoes do I wear? How will I make the time?
Kick those road blocks down. You’ve figured out far more complicated things than this. Just assume you’ll figure it out as you go along. You will.
So often we try to bite off more than we can chew when getting started can be so simple. Chances are if you’re just getting started that you’re not training for a marathon, right? Start small and keep it simple. Put your toe in the water before you jump all the way in. Then your foot. Then … well, you get the idea.
1. Claim a Time of Day For Your Workout
Remember it can be as small as 20 minutes to start. Maybe you have 20 minutes between dropping the kids off at school and your next appointment. If you have an hour for lunch and you don’t mind eating a salad at your desk, maybe that’s your pocket of time. If you can grab 40 minutes on your way home from work, get it in before you set foot in your door and have to help with homework. Start by reserving that time for your workout three or four times a week.
2. Schedule Your Workout With a Friend or Family Member
It creates accountability and can be really fun. It can be as simple (there’s that word again!) as walking with your favorite neighbor for 30 minutes right after dinner. Catch up with your girlfriend on the treadmill at the gym. Find a work buddy who wants to power walk at lunch and gossip about your boss. The time will fly by!
3. Multi-Task During Your Workout
With today’s technology there is so much you can get done while working out, especially doing cardio. Instead of reading your newspaper at the kitchen table, make it your routine to read the newspaper on an elliptical trainer or stationary bike every day. Download the podcast of your favorite radio program and listen while you power walk in your local park. Roll out your yoga mat for lower body and core work during “Dancing With the Stars” every single time you watch it. By the time they announce a winner you’ll be ready borrow one of those costumes to show off your shapely new abs and legs.
It’s not as hard as you think to get moving and simply moving is your first step. What are you waiting for?
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