Steps to success: Making exercise your lifestyle
There’s not a better time than now
What is stopping you from lacing up your shoes and getting out there?
There are many things that we tell ourselves which can put the handbrake on exercise… ‘I don’t have time’, ‘It’s too hot’, it’s too cold, ‘I’m too unfit’, ‘I’m afraid’.
All of these thoughts inhibit productivity and to be blunt, calling them what they are; excuses. Giving yourself an excuse to wait until the next day, week, or month to find your motivation is not going to work. That’s why I say there is no better time than now to get started.
So how do we start? Addressing inhibitors often requires a combination of strategies, including setting realistic goals, finding activities that are enjoyable, creating a supportive environment, seeking social support, and ultimately making exercise a priority in your routine.
This article I wanted to delve into strategies to help create practices to get you out there.
Start with a goal – I.e. Run 3x a week for 20 minutes on M,W,S, plus 2x a week do 3 x 10 banded crab walks.
Having activities set for certain days will give structure to your week. Having durations written down, mean you won’t short change yourself. Durations over distance can make things more manageable especially when starting out. Time will always pass yet distances are a hard line in the sand that can seem less manageable.Write your goals down and tell someone your goals. Tell them what your goal means to you and hopefully they can help hold you accountable. This is your support network on the harder days.
Set up your equipment so it’s easily accessible. Have your shoes by the door. Have your band in the lounge ready to go. When your equipment is in eye sight you will keep it front of mind. Remember that this is a priority for you.
Grow your support group. Find people to exercise with. Someone to talk to about what you’re doing. Even a coach to help guide you through training if you feel you need the extra guidance or accountability.
As you build a routine you will start to find it easier to prioritise your health and wellness into your day. Continue to find your balance with exercise and you can mix up the type of training you’re doing.
Remember that not every day you will feel motivated to run. Not every run will feel easy. Some days will feel great, yet others may feel tough. In most cases, especially in New Zealand you can dress for the conditions. It’s seldom the case that you will get back from a run and think ‘I regret that’.
When you get out, be positive with what you’re doing. Something that can considerably bolster your mood is actually saying ‘hey’ or giving encouragement as you pass someone on the path or trail. I hadn’t actually considered this last step until an experience that happened Tuesday. Running up towards home, I was absolutely had it after a big day on the tools. A young fella bombing down the hill yelled out ‘good onya bro’ and I was like ‘cheers bro’. It actually gave me a bit of a boost. And I know from personal experience that coming with a positive mindset and encouraging others can actually boost yourself as well.
No matter what advice I can give, you are in control of your decisions. It is up to you to build your routine and turn it into a habit. Turn your habit into a lifestyle. A prime example and an amazing role model is William Waiirua (from the AM show and social media influencer/morale booster). His attitude and positive outlook is infectious. He has built running into his lifestyle with a huge running streak. I’ve followed along as he built his streak, currently 1449 days. William has bumped his distance to at least 10km a day, which he has done for 414 days in a row! That’s massive and I really rate the energy he brings to motivate others.
I’ll add another step to the list above…
8. Follow @w_cribb on insta. Always a good laugh as well.
The list above isn’t exhaustive. There will be plenty of other things that can motivate you to kickstart your fitness. Do what you have to do and I hope to see you out there 😊