Do You Have Trouble Starting An Exercise Program?
By Tom Herrin
Exercise can be like the weather, everybody talks about it but nobody does anything about it, or at least it seems that way. Many people have the problem of being really active in school but changing to being sedentary once they get out. In our modern world, so many jobs don’t require physical activity that it becomes a disaster waiting to happen. Exercise is critical in order for our bodies to function correctly. Our cardiovascular system carries vital materials to the cells and takes away waste materials. The more we use it, the more efficient it becomes. Lack of use causes it to deteriorate.
Start Slow But Steady
When you haven’t been exercising, you need to be careful. You don’t start out running a marathon. You have to begin with something you can handle. Short walks can be a good place to start. Ten to 15 minutes a day can allow you to determine what kind of shape you are in. If you want to add upper body exercises, find a few that you can handle. It is a lot like saving money. You get a lot more done a little at a time than trying to do too much at once.
Find Something You Enjoy
The real key to success in exercise is to do something you like. Whether it is gardening, golf, walking the dog, or whatever, you are more likely to do it if you enjoy it. If you dread doing something, nothing will change it, and your success will be virtually non-existent. As you do something you enjoy, it will be much easier to increase the amount. Once you have begun to find yourself in better shape, you can branch out into other activities. You will then realize the rewards and look for different measures.
Be A Goal Setter
When you work toward something and achieve it, you begin to look forward to taking another step. Goals can be addictive. Measuring and tracking your heart rate, blood pressure, etc., can be greatly rewarding. Achieving the next level of whatever activity can feel good. What’s great is that it can carry over to other pursuits. When I started riding a bicycle for exercise, I started out with a mile. Before long, I was doing 8-10 miles with little effort. To be successful, you just have to do it with regularity. Start that exercise program slow and steady; before you know it, you will eager to get out there every day.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.