When I was 25 years old I weighed 315 pounds and had failed on every diet in the book. I remember feeling almost hopeless and wondering how I was going to drag my heavy body around another day. Clearly, popular diets weren’t the answer for me. That’s when I made the life-changing decision to begin exercising, and I have never looked back. Today I can’t imagine my life without fitness at the very center. But sometimes it’s hard to get moving. Here are 5 tips that will get you off of the couch and motivated:
1. Believe that you are entitled to look and feel better.
What better time to invest in yourself but now? When you take care of yourself it is much easier to take care of those who depend on you. Moving will help you have a positive attitude about your life. That can help you become motivated to make it a part of your daily routine. Take a group fitness class, hire that personal trainer you’ve been thinking about, try yoga or a Pilate’s class and incorporate meditation and relaxation. Go to a day spa. All these things will help you to connect with yourself.
2. Exercise releases stress and depression.
A fitness program not only helps lower blood pressure and high cholesterol and strengthens and tones your muscles, but studies show that stress and depression can be improved with exercise. Aerobic activity releases endorphins in the brain, which will make you feel great.
3. Set goals and visualize your successes.
One of the problems people encounter when starting a new fitness program is having unrealistic goals. This also happens to dieters. We somehow think that we can run a marathon before we take the baby steps necessary to get there. I tell people all the time to be persistent and things will happen. A good workout will instantly make you feel better. But to see results it takes at least a month or so of being steadfast and focused. A good way to achieve your fitness goals is to write them down.
4. Connect with positive people who can inspire you.
You will need to have support to make some real changes in your life, like getting fit. Find a class with an instructor who will be there to get you through your first workout without judgment. Find a group that will uplift you and make you feel valued as you work toward your goals. Hire a trainer who will take the time to identify your needs and goals and help you to achieve them.
5. Make a decision to exercise and let nothing get in the way.
Along your journey you will encounter many obstacles that might make you think it is time to give up. It is part of creating change in your life. Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged. There will always be things that potentially set you back and stress you out. It is how you manage your roadblocks that will get you going. When it comes to exercising, it is important that you have a clear understanding of how important this is for your life. In the end - aren’t you are worth it?
Hugs,
Debra
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