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You know those people that get up before dawn to exercise and the ones that work out for hours at the gym like its their part-time job? They seem to live for exercise! Maybe you are not one of them. Even those who hate to work out may come to learn to enjoy the benefits of exercise with these 5 easy exercise tips.
1) Set small goals. You are setting yourself up for failure if you think you are going to lose 30 lbs. next month or if you sign up for a marathon when you can't walk a mile. Take 'baby steps' for success. Make your goals more realistic, like losing 2 lbs., or walking 20 min. 3 times a week. When you see you have achieved those smaller goals you'll feel better about what you are doing.
2) Use others successes to motivate you.If you see a friend lose weight you might feel a bit envious. You might even think that losing weight is just easier for them. Instead of feeling discouraged, make your friend's success a motivation for you. "If she can do it, so can I!" It makes it seem more possible...so cheer your friend on !
3) Say Good-bye to negative self-talk.It's really easy to get down on yourself, especially at the beginning of an exercise program. You know the words: "How did I get so fat? I can never look as good as I used to." So, while working out concentrate on what your body can do. Avoid negative thoughts and say things like, " I am getting stronger every day." Studies show that your body believes what the mind keeps telling it.
4) Finish with a 'Bang'...Studies show that if you finish your workout doing things you like that are relaxing and pleasurable, you will have the tendency to come back. If you finish your work out with a series of grueling exercises that cause you pain, that is what you'll remember and you'll avoid coming back. So, finish that workout with a relaxing stretch, maybe to some fun music, and your mind will remember that good feeling. You want to keep up the exercise routine for the best health benefits so do what you can to make that happen.
5) Treat yourself.This doesn't mean to treat yourself with a double-dip ice cream cone. Set your small goals for the week...like 3 mornings a week of 30 min. exercise = a hot bubble bath or a massage. Pick something you enjoy and set your sites to having it when you achieve your goals. Your body will thank you by feeling more energetic and looking better!
Debbie Mumm is an Indoor Air Specialist in northern IL. She has been working in this industry since 1996.
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