Even though you know about all the numerous reasons for being more active, do you find it difficult to get started Does the idea
of adding something more to your day feel overwhelming Do you have a list of reasons why you “can’t” exercise There are probably many reasons why you feel resistant. Most of us lead very busy lives and the idea of adding something else to our list of things to do, pushes the stress button even harder. We hear about the goal of getting at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity most days and it seems like a major lifestyle change. Let’s start with one important fact — adding more activity in a day is not an “all or nothing” proposition. Each of us falls somewhere on a line between totally sedentary and excessively active. The goal is not to jump in and step on the accelerator full speed ahead. The best way to make any change is to do it gradually. Test the water and see how it feels. Start with what is comfortable and gradually increase. If you have not been very active, that might mean going for a daily five-minute walk for a week or two. Over time, gradually increase the time/distance/speed. Every extra step is a step in the right direction. Think of your progress as moving through the alphabet from A to Z. Make a list of all the reasons you have for not being more active. Then go through the list and come up with ways to counter each of these obstacles. Ask for support from others as needed. Think about ways you have been successful at achieving other goals in your life and see if you can apply them to your goal of increasing activity. Another approach is to follow the recommendation of “just do it” for a planned period of time — say two weeks or a month — as if adding physical activity to your day were an experiment. Then see how you feel. Once you decide on a plan, think about how you can make the action part actually happen. It might mean leaving your walking shoes or exercise clothes in the car, at work, or where you see them when you get up in the morning. If you plan to exercise in the morning, get dressed as if you are ready to exercise.
Sometimes all it takes is a change in the way you think abut exercising. Do not ask yourself “am I going to exercise today” Ask yourself “when and what am I going to do for exercise today” Set time aside. Mark it on your daily calendar. Set your watch or a reminder on your computer for the time you plan to do it. Make it a high priority as if it were an important appointment — because it is.