Fitness and physical activity should be fun. If you’re enjoying activity, you’ll have no trouble sticking to your goals.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy exercise:
Think about activities you enjoyed doing as a child and try them again. Take the time to discover what type of exercise is best for your physical, emotional and social health.
Exercise with a friend or family member. It’s a great way to catch up on their latest news, and can also help you stay motivated.
Get involved in your local community. Joining a local club is a great way to meet new people who are interested in the same activities as you. Your local community probably provides lots of opportunities to be active – from leisure centres and sports clubs to parks, trails, swimming pools and classes.
Increase your activity time and intensity gradually. Start out gently and build your endurance little by little – this way you’ll avoid overdoing it or injuring yourself!
Set yourself a challenge by trying a new activity or entering a community fun run.
Try a range of different activities to keep you interested and challenge different muscles.
Be realistic. Set short-term goals that are achievable and that you can measure, as well as longer-term goals.
Review your progress regularly and focus on what you have achieved.
Reward yourself. Celebrate your efforts and achievements to give you some impetus to keep on going. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, but make sure your rewards match your healthy lifestyle!
Keep a journal to reflect on how you feel before, during and after exercise. It’s a great way to track your progress.
