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How to Get Started Exercising!
So you know you should exercise and you really want to start - you really, really want to! But - you just can't
seem to get started with it?
I think most people have this problem at one point or another in their lives.
Not enough time. Too many other things to do first. Too many distractions. Not today, many tomorrow.
There are many reasons that it can be hard to get started. But don't give up - just keep trying to take that
first step.
Having a workout partner can be helpful for some people. This could be a spouse, friend, family member or even a pet!
Dogs need exercise too - and taking them for a walk or run will benefit the health of both of you! Your
dog will love it that you are spending more time with him or her too! Exercising with your spouse can be great for
your marriage too! It will help you to both be healthy and live a longer life together and well as a great and healthy
to spend time together. You can each share how your day went while walking, running or other exercise.
It may even help you with being more romantic with each other!
For other people a personal trainer may be helpful. They can help you set up a exercise schedule and program
to fit your needs as well as motivate you to stick with it and help you to see the progress you make. Many
gyms have personal trainers available and while some may be too expensive I have seen some at municipal
recreation centers that charge a reasonable rate.
If you have kids you may want to remind yourself that you would like to be around for many years to see them
grow up and to have grandkids someday. If you keep yourself fit and healthy you will likely live much longer
and be in their lives a much longer time. Think of how sad your kids will be when you are gone - don't live your
life in a way that will cause you to be taken from them any earlier than necessary. Even if they seem like they
don't need you know - like if they are teenagers - they will someday. When they get a bit older they will want your
advice, companionship and access to all the wisdom you have stored up over a life time - don't deprive them of this!
One thing that helps me to keep motivated is to exercise while watching something I like on TV. Even if you can't
be at home to exercise when a show is on, you can always tape it and watch it later when you can exercise. This way,
you don't have to feel guilty about watching too much TV either! And it can make your exercise time go by really
fast if you are watching something you are really into. Listening to music works for some people too, or to
books on tape.
Many people find it helpful to keep some sort of journal or record. This can be a datebook where you write
in scheduled times to exercise or more of a diary to keep track of when and how long you exercise. I keep a piece of
paper with what strength training exercises I did, what weights I used and the date. Records like this can
help you to see what you have accomplished. You may surprise yourself after a while when you look back on it
and see how much you really did exercise and the progress you made.
Don't forget to reward yourself for getting started with it and for stcking with it too! Plan something special
for the day when you first get started with you fitness plan - and every so often afterwards.
And remember, it is your life - the only one you will ever get -
live it long and full by keeping as healthy as you can!
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