Here's the Key to Committing to Exercise

By Stepy Kamei

Every day is a good day to commit to exercising on a regular basis. When it comes down to it, there are simply way too many benefits to exercise which simply can't be ignored. Exercise has been linked to better sleep, reduced stress, improved mental health, better heart health, increased metabolic and cognitive function -- the list goes on and on.

Still, it can be hard to work up the motivation to commit to a regular exercise routine -- at least, initially. If you've ever had a hard time sticking with any sort of health goal or new habit, it may help to know that it's always hard at first. However, when you are able to stick with that goal on a consistent basis, you'll find that it becomes easier and easier to continue as time goes on, until it's just a seamless part of your day. Here's why consistency is the real key when it comes to improving your health.

Stick With Exercise Regularly

Let's say you manage to get up for an early morning jog every once in a while. Yes, it's true that any sort of movement is better than no movement at all. However, you're not really getting the long-lasting benefits of exercise if you're not doing it on a regular basis. For instance, if you start going for jogs or hitting the gym every other morning at the same time, you'll find yourself settling into a routine, and your body will begin to be conditioned in a healthy manner. It will more than likely even help regulate your sleep-wake cycles, translating to more energy during the day and deeper, more restful sleep at night. This is just one way in which a consistent exercise routine is better than sporadically exercising.

Tips to Help You Stay on Target With Your Fitness Goals

If the idea of sticking with a fitness routine still seems daunting, there are a variety of helpful tips and tricks to try which may help make it easier.

First, when it comes to simply getting started, it can help to visualize and remember how you feel after a great run, weightlifting session, or other type of workout to help you stay motivated. You may also want to consider working out with a friend or loved one -- this way, you can also use the time to connect, and you'll have a greater sense of responsibility and accountability to stick with it.

It's also important to mix up your fitness routine with different activities. This will not only keep things interesting and prevent you from succumbing to boredom, but it's also good to make sure you're conditioning and toning different areas of your body as well to prevent strain and overwork. Consider cycling between methods such as running, hiking, weight training, high-intensity interval training, swimming, and yoga. These are just a few examples of ways in which you can engage your body in different, exciting ways.

As you commit to exercising on a regular basis, there's a strong chance you'll find it easier and easier to stick with it as time goes on. Once you get past the initial two weeks or so of having to work up the motivation, your body and mind will more than likely start looking forward to the exercise!

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richardson, Tex.