Exercise and the Art of Not Quitting

By: Kyra Corradin, PT, DPT, YTT

Here’s the deal: exercise is like the Swiss Army knife of health benefits. It helps you build strength and mobility, which is especially handy as you age. Plus, (somewhat counterintuitively) exercise can actually make you feel more energetic overall. It also releases those magical brain chemicals that stabilize your mood. So, how do you avoid the dreaded workout flop and keep up with your new exercise routine? Let’s dive in with 5 simple tips!

1. Make It Convenient

The time and place of your exercise should be convenient and realistic for your lifestyle. If you’re not a morning person then setting a 6 AM gym appointment might be a ticket to failure. So, think about what works for you. Your future self (and your snooze button) will thank you. 

2. Make It Enjoyable

If you hate running, forcing yourself to hit the pavement every day is a recipe for disaster. Lucky for you, there are lots of types of exercise to choose from: walking, weight lifting, group fitness, dance, recreational sports, etc... Explore different types of exercise until you find something enjoyable (or at least bearable). 

3. Find a Buddy

Nothing beats having a workout buddy to keep you on track. An accountability buddy can help ensure you don’t skip out on your exercise routine just because you’re cozy on the couch with a blanket and Netflix. Grab a friend, join a class, or even recruit your dog (they’ll love the extra walks).

4. Pleasure Bundling

Find something you’re excited about, like a podcast, an audiobook, or that new album you can’t stop humming. Then, pair it with your workout. For instance, only let yourself listen to your favorite podcast during your daily walk. It’s like a workout reward system, and who doesn’t love rewards?

5. Set Goals and Monitor Progress

Goals are the GPS for your fitness journey. Whether you want to lose weight, build strength, or improve stamina, having a target helps to keep you motivated. Track your progress and celebrate your achievements. Note that you can now lift heavier weights or run that extra mile. Seeing tangible results will keep you on track.

Conclusion

Remember to take it easy on yourself. Sometimes, you’ll miss a workout because you were buried under a pile of paperwork or your cat decided your yoga mat was the new napping spot. Accept that you won’t always be perfect, and that’s okay. Instead of tossing in the towel, just get back to your routine when you can. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Exercise doesn’t have to be a punishment. With a bit of creativity and a sense of humor, you can turn your fitness routine into something enjoyable and sustainable. Remember: find what works for you, make it a part of your daily life, and don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go perfectly. Now get out there and show your future self just how awesome you can be!

Ready to get moving? We’re here to help you every step of the way—just give us a shout at Sports Therapy And Rehabilitation!