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When I was in my twenties, I took up running. I sprinted across my campus, and then throughout the streets of Manhattan. In my thirties, I found myself in the suburbs of New Jersey, often running with my work supervisor. What fun business meetings we had By my forties, I was in a new neighborhood, jogging with my beautiful golden retriever, Emmie. Now that I've entered my fifth decade, I must admit more times than not, my workout is intervals of jogging and fast walking, always with my goofy, adorable labradoodle, Ozzy.
My speed and style has most definitely changed, as have the scenery, companions, and even the source of music. Cassette players made way for CDs, and now it's an iPod. But some things remain constant, and those are the benefits and payback for my time spent pounding the pavement.
My exercise always leaves me feeling calm and refreshed. Any worries or concerns seem less overwhelming after a good sweat session. Negativity decreases, and positivity emerges. My creative mind is open (as a matter of fact, I brainstormed this newsletter during my last few sessions). I am left feeling strong, open, relaxed, and energized, reinforced with the fortitude to handle anything that comes my way.
The rewards of my efforts exceed the momentary sense of wellbeing. More than one of my physicians has joked that they wish their pulse, blood pressure and blood profiles looked as good as mine. I've enjoyed a fairly stable body weight and composition since college, and my results from a recent bone density test showed that I was in the normal range, not victim to osteopenia as so many of my contemporaries have recently been diagnosed with.
Please don't think that I am bragging. It is just reassuring to know that my personal research project has proven results from my check-ups. And of course, there are tons of scientific, evidence-based research supporting the benefits of exercise. So, I can't help wonder why many people aren't exercising enough to achieve the undisputed health benefits of lifetime fitness and wellness. How come so many individuals struggle to make exercise a part of their lifestyle?
Throughout my years of training and coaching, I've attempted to help clients overcome the challenge of making room in an already overcrowded life to fit in exercise. One of the top reasons I hear for not exercising is a lack of time. I've often thought, "If you could just experience the many benefits, surely you would make the time."
Hiking in Wyoming, I met a couple who were in their 80's, but didn't look a day over 70. They shared with me that they both started exercising only 10 years earlier, after the husband suffered a heart attack. Both of them had shining eyes, straight backs, slim and strong looking bodies, and smiles that could light up a room. So no matter what your age, it's never too late to start and enjoy the benefits of a well thought out exercise plan.
But how do you go from not working out at all, to being a committed lifetime fitness participant? Here are the tips I believe to be the most helpful.
Tips Toward Achieving Lifetime Fitness
1.Connect with your personal greatest motivators. Everyone knows why they "should" be exercising, but why do you want to? What benefits of a regular routine would mean the most to you? Is it more energy, weight loss, a firmer body, the desire to avoid or reduce blood pressure or diabetes medicine, or just the time to unwind, release stress, and have fun? Make a list of your reasons, and remind yourself frequently of what you are working towards.
2.Identify your exercise style. If time for yourself to think, unwind, and relax is what you're after, a solo activity like walking or swimming might be your best choice. If you love competition, a team sport like tennis or basketball might work. Love to socialize? Try group exercise classes or golf. Don't fight your nature; think about what makes you the happiest and try to match the activity to the circumstances.
3.Start slow and be realistic. If you have never been a regular exerciser, or have been away from it for a while, ease into activity. Don't attempt to go from not exercising at all, to exercising every day. There is nothing more discouraging than making the decision to work out, and then being so sore and uncomfortable the next day you can hardly move, or worse yet, suffer an injury. Set realistic goals such as three times a week for 15 minutes, and progress once that feels routine and manageable.
4.Schedule your exercise time into your daily calendar. Whether you keep a handwritten planner, a computer calendar, or a PDA, review your week, plan your exercise sessions, and put them in as a scheduled activity. Create a fallback plan if something unexpected and unavoidable prevents you from keeping your scheduled time.
5.Monitor your progress. Look back at your reasons for wanting to exercise, and find a way to measure the benefits you are getting from regular participation in your activity of choice. If you have stuck to your program for a couple of months and are not achieving what you set out to do, consult with a certified personal trainer, fitness consultant or personal wellness coach to assess the program you are following. Motivation remains high when you are feeling the rewards for your work.
6.Reward your consistent efforts. Although most of the rewards for consistently sticking to a great exercise routine are intrinsic, it's fun to build in some extrinsic ones as well. Plan for a massage or facial for each time you complete thirty exercise sessions. Buy a new outfit after the results of your yearly physical leave you and your doctor pleased. Or celebrate your increased endurance by signing up and participating in a race for a cause. Many insurance companies also offer monetary incentive programs for consistent gym attendance, so check out your policy.
Wishing you fitness & wellness from the inside out
Ellen
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Ellen Goldman created EnerG Coaching, LLC, to help people struggling with issues such as weight loss, stress management, getting in shape, life satisfaction, and other health related problems that can be affected by lifestyle changes. Learn more about her fitness and wellness coaching programs, and receive two free quizzes to assess your readiness to make positive changes in your life, when you subscribe to Fitness & Wellness From the Inside Out Monthly Tips at www.EnerGcoaching.com