Everyone can benefit from daily exercise, but using the word ‘exercise’ isn’t necessary, so let’s replace it with ‘activity’. Any new habit may have challenging beginnings, but in time, nearly anything can become habitual. It’s important to create healthy habits especially ones that will have huge benefits for you, so let’s discuss daily ‘activity’.
- Write it down - One of the main reasons people will not stick to a healthy habit is lack of time. It’s important to understand that in order to create a healthy habit and one that involves activity you must not only commit to it but write it down. It’s amazing how simply writing it down will help you stick to a routine. Make and appointment to perform some type of physical activity daily, such as walking, stretching, cycling, swimming, or dancing and keep your body as healthy as it can possibly be.
- Ask a friend. - Another reason many will not stick to a daily routine is because of boredom or loneliness. Have a friend or your significant other join you. It’s a good time to spend with others and can definitely make things a lot more enjoyable. {A workout partner will also make you feel a greater sense of responsibility; no one likes to let other people down.}
- Mix it up. Come up with a variety of activities. There’s no reason you can’t swim one day, walk the next, and ride your bike the day after that. So think about everything the world has to offer and keep yourself entertained as well.
- Take it slow. One of the biggest reasons many will stop any type of physical activity is because of injury. You may have been able to run a 5-minute mile back in the day, but it’s time to face reality. Although your mind may not age, your body is not the same you had 10 or even 20 years ago. Take it slow and steady and loosen up the muscles. As long as you’re getting comfortably tired by the end of your workout, you’re on the right track.
- No excuses. You may be tempted to stop your daily activity if you have to drive across town to a health club. The truth is that a health club really isn’t necessary. Don’t allow excuses ruin your road to a healthier lifestyle. A simple set of weights, a jump rope, or some running shoes are probably all you really need. Wipe off the dust from your bicycle and take it for a spin, no excuses allowed.
- Track your progress. It’s a lot easier to stay interested and motivated when you can see some real progress. Fortunately, progress comes quickly at the beginning of any exercise program. So devise a test of your fitness that you can do occasionally. It can be simple, like how many pushups you can do, or how long it takes you to walk a mile.
Implementing daily activity is a great addition to include your life. It can be challenging to get into the habit, but relatively easy to stick with it after the initial period has passed. Get out there with a friend and have some fun every day! You’ll be healthier, feel better, and look better. Good luck!
**If you need an added incentive I created a ‘Health Journal’ for you! This book is titled: A Road to A Healthier Lifestyle in 52 Weeks. It’s important to understand that a healthier and happier lifestyle does not occur overnight. With that in mind, this ‘journal’ was created to keep you motivated daily. You will keep track of your goals and progress daily. Daily goals are much easier to achieve than ones you ‘plan’ for 3 to 6 months. This ‘journal’ contains a quote and healthy reminder each day along with an area for you to write your daily goals. It also contains a reflection area at the end of each week. This is a great book to keep you motivated and focused on creating a happier and healthier lifestyle…remember it’s up to YOU! For more information on this wonderful journal click on this link —> Dr. Mommy Books
Dr. Daisy Sutherland is the Founder/CEO of Dr. Mommy Online. She is a doctor, author, mentor, speaker, wife & mom to 5 children. Dr. Mommy's mission is to ~ Help Busy Women and Men with her 'Get Real' approach to living a happier and healthier lifestyle. Watch for new book: 'Letting Go of Super Mom' coming out August 7, 2012.
Dr. Mommy. What a perfect post and so true. As a busy mother and motivational speaker who has been able to keep off 50 lbs. for over a decade, Tips #1 & 2 were key strategies to my success. I’m going to share this on my blog: http://www.motivational-speakers-review.com – where it will continue to help others who find it.
So happy that the tips resonated with you..I also hope it will resonate with others:) Thanks for stopping by!
I love your paragraph about ‘no excuses.’ I teach hot yoga, and in that hot room we challenge students to hold themselves accountable for every movement – and do whatever it takes! It’s empowering to remind myself that when pursuing any goal.
Taking your ‘mix it up’ even further – I find that my most successful exercise plans are the ones that are fun for me. I know that working out in a gym isn’t fun for me, but riding my bike is – so I commute by bicycle around the city I live in. It’s a great way to get exercise, have fun, and save on transportation costs!
Great site & info! Me and my hubby have started working out again. We even have a friend who is a trainer so we don’t slack! It is so important at every age to exercise and take care of yourself.
Thanks:) So glad you found the site informational..that’s my goal. So glad to hear that you and hubby are working out again…take it slow and simply enjoy it:)
Thanks for the reminder that I don’t have to do the same thing everyday! I will be mixing it up this week!
You’re very welcome..mixing it up will break up the monotony:)
These are great tips! I am working on getting back into my running since I slacked off over the holidays.
Great post and reminder! We don’t have to do the same thing every day…just keep on moving! With the below freezing weather, I don’t walk with my fur-kids since it is too cold for them. Used to walk 5 miles per day…now it’s my elliptical bike or walking up and down the stairs where I live. NO excuses!!! Thanks again for all the great tips and motivation!
Love it!! No Excuses:)
Thanks for the great tips! For me having accountability is key. Knowing that I have support of others makes so much difference!
Ah yes! Accountability truly makes everything easier:)
I have made excuses for not getting to the gym. When I am on track, I do like to track my progress. I find I never know if I am making gains if I do not track.
The “no excuses” really hit home for me! There’s absolutely excuse for me not getting my butt and gear to exercise daily! Thanks for this post Dr. Mommy!
Thank you Dr Mommy! Great tips on how to create and implement a healthy habit! Love your new website, you’ve put a lot of work in it and it looks gorgeous as you do too! x
Thanks for your kind words, Solvita:)
No excuses Doctor Mommy, like Nike says Just Do It. Lack of time is a big one but I realize that its all in your perspective so you just have to get it in where you can fit it in.
Great information! I just started walking again and I told myself to take it slow otherwise I would be overwhelmed. I’m so glad I did. Thanks!
Thank you for a great break down on the steps of becoming healthier. Structure is my weakness and this is really something to think about and implement in my life.
I love these great tips! I am very happy to say that I have had a Total gym now for 9 yrs. and I consistently use it 4-5 times a week since then other then when we travel. I find that if I don’t exercise I feel like something is missing in my day. I believe the reason why I have stuck with it is the way I feel afterwards. I will even jump on it an extra session during a given day if I overeat. Thanks, for another Fabulous article
Ahh… I love the ‘No Excuses”…Make a choice and don’t deviate! Over the past year we have made major lifestyle changes in our household….huge challenges some were, but we are enjoying the benefits:)
WooHoo!! Congratulations…no excuses…works all the time
Thanks for your lovely post. Healthy habits can only enhance a life. Stress can come when the world inside and around us are “unhealthy.” I loved no excuses. Even though it is late here and most people are sleeping I’m going with “no excuses” to T Tapp in a few minutes. It doesn’t keep me up but I can then say “I did it.” Thanks for sharing Dr. Daisy your wisdom.
Great post! Tracking your progress is something I learned a few years ago in my weight training. Each day every movement os fully recorded allowing me to see, the next time I do it, how I have progressed. It is invaluable and superb motivation!
TIMELY!!! I made a commitment to track and I really have not lived up to that commitment over the past week.
Just what I needed to read today. No excuses, I’ve got to work out, everyday!
I love your tips to get a person on track! I have read different things and the one that stick in my mind is that you need to do something for 21 days to make it feel like a habit. If your back and forth never sticking to anything it really isn’t a habit it is more being forced. Thanks again!