Building an Exercise Habit

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

26 Jul 2006 09:21 AM

Did you know that more than 50% of all people who start a fitness or exercise program quit in the first eight weeks for any number of reasons. So here are some methods you can employ to help you make exercise a habit.

Tanstaafl

There ain't no such thing as a free lunch and when it comes to getting back into exercise - you shouldn't expect there to be more to it than this either. You shouldn't be in pain when you exercise, but you may very well be somewhat uncomfortable. So accept from the beginning that it's going to be a bit hard and that it is going to take some extra effort on your part to build the habit.

Keep It New and Mix It Up

When you are working out regularly, we all fall into routines. But some of those routines can become boring or seem boring when we do them day in a day out. Try to keep your exercise routine mixed up whether it's dividing time doing cycling and walking or doing different types of toning exercises and more in order to give yourself something new to do within your routine.

Pace Yourself

There are more products available on the market for fitness than ever before. So it's really easy to get caught up in the idea of buying every new little item that comes down the pike. Rather than investing in multiple different products, settle on a routine or equipment that allows you some variants and let yourself build up to using more or different types of equipment.

Get a Buddy

The buddy system works for just about any type of goal whether it's a fitness goal or an educational one. A buddy doesn't even have to be someone who works out with you, though you are more likely to go on your evening walk if there is someone waiting for you to join them. A buddy can help you maintain your motivation and provide you with someone to share goals, daily activities and more with.

This Isn't Boot Camp

Your workout needs to be something you enjoy. You want to look forward to it. You want to build up to it. You want to want to miss it when you can't do it. But you don't want to feel like it's a punishing, grueling session that you have to endure day in and day out. The point of making exercise a habit is to help build up the possibility of success for yourself and your program.

How do you make exercise a habit for you?

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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