By Rosemary Marchese
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The ability to move your body is a gift.
Think about it… not everyone can move their body voluntarily in the manner they wish to. That is one of the major things I think about (believe it or not) when I don’t feel up to exercise. I am GRATEFUL for the fact that I can move freely. I can get my heart to beat fast and I can feel the cool breeze on my face as I pound the pavement on a daily walk or jog.
The truth is that I, like most people, don’t always have the energy to exercise.
But my mind is set – I MUST exercise. No ifs or buts.
The major difference between someone like me that does, and someone that doesn’t, is that I SHOW UP.
Once you are outdoors or at a gym or sport event you are most likely to just get on with it. You are not likely to go home after 5 minutes on a treadmill, are you? Once you are there you are likely to do it!
No energy to exercise? Here are my tips to keep you committed when you just can’t be stuffed!
Make sure you book exercise into your diary. You MUST have a set time to exercise.
- Exercise first thing in the morning! I have always advocated for structured exercise to be done first thing in the morning, or at least soon afterwards (if you need a small snack first). Motivation progressively reduces as the day moves on. Get up, get dressed and get going.
- Think about how crap you are going to feel when you skip another session.
- Make exercise a habit. It is something you do six days per week. You should also be moving during the day. Meeting a friend for coffee? Scratch that. Power walk here we come!
- Find a friend or book a trainer. Be accountable… and it’s also more fun this way!
- Make your ‘alone’ exercise time be the time that you clear your mind, get time to yourself and allow yourself to be free from stress.
- Find an aspirational role model. I love finding people who are fit and healthy. I love finding out how they get in shape. Use these stories to inspire you!
- Set specific goals. Remember that a goal without a timeline is just a wish. Your goal could be fitness related, e.g. run your first 5km race, or aesthetically based, e.g. fitting into a great dress to wear to an upcoming wedding.
- Make sure you fuel your body with nutritious healthy choices. You won’t have energy to exercise after a big night of drinking or a really unhealthy meal the night before… so don’t let your body get into such a state that you can’t get up the next day! I’m not a complete party pooper – it’s great to have little ‘celebrations’ but perhaps on those occasions you can follow up with a lower intensity workout, such as a walk rather than a run. The point is that you show up. Don’t sabotage your chances of showing up.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.This post was written by Rosemary Marchese who is a fitness author and writer, physiotherapist and mum (not in order of priority of course!). She has published two fitness textbooks and is currently working on her third book, consulting for fitness training organisations and blogging fit bits and tips for fitness professionals and the general public! Check out her blog or catch up with Rosemary on her website.
The post No energy to exercise? 9 tips to get you moving when you can’t be stuffed! appeared first on The Virtual Assistant - Your complete administration solution.