Lets face it, exercising is something it seems is destined to always start tomorrow. Problem is that tomorrow never comes. There is only today and today is too soon. Need to want to do it, mentally prepare for it, have the correct gear for it, or any one of the many “reasons” why tomorrow is better than today. Running is not the only thing a person can do to exercise. Here are some good ideas for starting your exercise program today and all the todays coming up.
Stretching-
Stretching is something that is very good for you and probably does not get done enough. There are all sorts of theories about whether or not to stretch before running but to me it is important. I have a brother who stretches every night before bed which I wish I could be that dedicated. I would like to start doing it in the morning when I get up every day. Get the blood flowing and heart beating. Yoga could definitely be incorporated into your stretching. I have always laughed at yoga until I tried it and felt the results mentally and physically. I am not going to join a yoga class or into hot yoga, but definitely think it is something worth trying. Could stretch for several days and work into starting to go for walks.
Walking partner-
Going for a walk is one of the most refreshing things a person can do. But going for a walk by yourself takes dedication. Having a partner to visit with on your walk is essential to keep going often. With all that’s going on in todays world, a person shouldn’t have any shortage of conversation starters.
Challenge a group of friends-
This is one of the more popular inspiration plans out there among people trying to start exercising. At my old school, we had a fitbit steps challenge where we had to keep track of steps in a week and those over 100,000 got put into a drawing for a prize. I have several buddies that are going to run a half marathon together this spring. If my knee is feeling up to it, I will try to join them. It is ideal to have a plan to shoot for because then going for runs with these guys is easier because you all have the same goal. We are all going to ride in the Headwaters 100 this coming fall which is a 100 mile bike ride. No land speed records being set on this bike ride but something I want to get into shape for. I more or less just want to finish it. I served soup last year at one of the stops and was inspired by the older generation of riders that were completing it and figured if they could do it, I sure should try.
3 month gym pass-
Buying a month is to short and a year feels like you have tomorrow to start going. A good friend of mine bought a membership to a gym in town and it got him going to try and beat the winter blues. Walking is not awesome in northern MN in -30 temperatures, but 30 minutes at a local 24 hour gym is a great way to get in shape and stay mentally healthy through the winter months. If you are so inspired, a person can always extend the membership another three months. Best bet is if you can again have a workout partner that keeps you going all the time. Only the dedicated can go by themselves all the time and that is not most of us.
Modest goals-
It does not pay to have huge goals like losing a ton of weight, or running 5 miles a day, exercising every day of the week, or anything that is going to make it seem impossible or to daunting to start today. Lose 3 pounds this week, or exercise 3 days this week, or go for one run this week and two next week would be a start. Biggest thing is trying to build it into your routine so it doesn’t seem like work. Start small and work towards a more healthy you. The rewards are great both physically and mentally.
Any tips you might have to help get going? What works for you? I have lost nearly 20 pounds just changing my diet via the whole 30. I feel much better as I don’t have the daily stomach cramping and all that goes with it. And I am eating what I feel like is a lot of food. I have started incorporating different foods back in but definitely still eating a lot healthier.
Nearly March- can’t wait for golfing.
