Sunday, July 15, 2012

Start an Exercise Regimen and Stick to It


Exercise, exercise, exercise is all you hear everywhere! Don't despair! It isn't as hard or cumbersome as you think it may be. In fact, it can be so much fun that you will forget that you are exercising.

Exercise to the body is like breathing. In other words, it is as necessary as the air we breathe. The well known cliché "If you don't use it, you will lose it" is well applicable to exercise and our body.

So if you are not already part of an exercise regimen, how do you go about it?

Say No

First of all, you have to say no to the 'excuse demon'. I used to be a person who dreaded exercise and would become dizzy at the very thought of it. And hence, I came to the conclusion that my body is not made for exercise. Sounds familiar?

Yes, our mind is powerful enough to bring up excuses like that which can stall us for a lifetime. Ever heard the one "I will go to the gym tomorrow". Smart huh?

Pick One Activity and Make it Fun

Next, you have to pick an activity that you really like and one that can be part of your routine for life. If you pick something which you already feel is a chore, then chances are that you will never stick to it. Whereas, if you start an activity that your mind now deems as fun then you will WANT to do it as opposed to dragging your feet to do it. Therein, lie the secret to starting an exercise regimen and sticking to it.

Stick to it

When you stick to the regimen, you will find yourself to be a new person with more energy and endurance and you will actually want to exercise more and will start looking around for something more strenuous or challenging.

Then you truly know that you have won half the battle over the excuse demon.

Swimming

Look around for an activity that you already do, for instance, an aerobic exercise like swimming.

Swimming is the most beneficial exercise ever and it does not feel like exercise either. Swimming also burns a lot more calories. Not only does swimming burn calories faster, it also burns fat faster because unknown to you your body is working a lot when you swim. So if you know how to swim, just go for it and watch the inches melt off your waist. Swimming also tones your thighs and arms. So, you are rewarded with a toned body as well.

Dancing

Dancing is another fun activity than can shed pounds and burn calories. Join a dance club or if you are one of the shy ones, get a dance video and dance away at home. You can also get other exercise videos that you can follow in the comfort of your home.

Walking and More

If you have never exercised before then walking is a good way to start. As with any exercise start gradually and then increment as you go.

Jogging, running, hiking, mountain and rock climbing, and any other sport or activity that you think of as fun is a great way to get your body moving and burning calories.

Or just plain old aerobics group exercise at the local gym is a great way to start. The group effect can be motivating and you will hold each other accountable enough to participate in the classes.