How To Make Exercising A Habit

Are you wondering how to make exercising a habit? Regular physical activity has numerous benefits for your physical and mental health, but making it a part of your daily routine can be challenging. Here is why making exercise a habit and how to do it is important.

The Importance of Exercise Becoming a Habit

Regular exercise is crucial for physical health. It helps to maintain a healthy weight, build muscle mass, increase bone density, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 

Exercise also has many benefits for your mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration, and boost our mood and overall well-being.

Making Exercise A Habit

Many people struggle to make exercise a part of their daily routine. One of the biggest barriers is the misconception that exercise has to be intense or time-consuming to be effective. However, this is not the case. 

Any amount of physical activity is better than none, and even small changes to our routines can significantly impact our health.

Avoid “All or Nothing” Thinking

One common mistake people make when trying to make exercise a habit is thinking about absolutes. For example, they may think they need to exercise daily. This type of thinking is unrealistic and sets us up for failure.

Instead of an “all or nothing” mentality, adopt a more flexible approach to exercise. Acknowledge that there will be days when you cannot exercise due to other commitments or unforeseen circumstances. Focus on consistency rather than perfection. Try to exercise regularly, but don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or two once in a while – life happens.

Find Your “Why”

To make exercise a habit, it’s essential to have a compelling reason. This reason should be meaningful and align with your values and priorities. Your “why” could be anything from wanting to improve your physical health to reducing stress, increasing energy levels, or simply feeling better about yourself.

Whatever your reason, write it down and remind yourself of it often. Visualise the benefits of regular exercise and how it will improve your life. When you have a strong motivation to exercise, it becomes easier to make it a habit.

Do Workouts You Enjoy

Another critical factor in exercising as a habit is doing activities you enjoy. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore or even repetitive. There are many different types of physical activity that you can enjoy, from dancing to hiking to swimming.

When you enjoy your daily workouts, you’re more likely to stick with them long-term. Try experimenting with different activities and locations for your workouts to find what works for you. Try new things, challenge yourself, and have fun.

Here are some easy workouts you can try:

• Brisk Walking: This is a simple and effective way to increase your heart rate and burn calories. Walk around your neighbourhood, park or any other suitable area. Make sure you walk at a brisk pace and maintain good posture.
• Jumping Jacks: Jumping jacks are an excellent exercise for beginners, as they are simple to perform and require no equipment. Simply stand with your feet together, then jump and spread your legs while raising your arms above your head. Jump back to the starting position and repeat.
• Squats: Squats are a great exercise to work your legs, glutes and core. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and lower your body as if sitting on a chair. Keep your back straight and your knees behind your toes. Stand back up and repeat.
• Lunges: Lunges are another great exercise for your lower body. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, then step forward with one leg and bend your knee until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Keep your other knee off the ground and your back straight. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.

Remember to start slowly and gradually increasing your workouts’ intensity and duration. Always consult a medical professional before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Make Exercising A Habit: Healthy Living

Remember that exercise is just one part of a healthy lifestyle. To optimise your overall health and well-being, it’s essential to also prioritise healthy eating, adequate sleep, and stress management.

Incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine, such as preparing healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and practising relaxation techniques. These habits support your physical and mental health, making sticking with your exercise routine easier.