Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. John F. Kennedy, U.S. President
Fall isn’t just the time for new crayons and backpacks. Fall can also be the start of a new you if you’re on the cusp of making the decision to declare exercise a priority.
If you’re looking for motivation, The National Institute on Aging suggests the following five things to get you going:
- Find ways to fit exercise into your day.
- Do activities you enjoy to make it more fun.
- Make it social.
- If there’s a break in your routine, quickly get back on track.
- Record your progress and reward yourself when you reach your goals.
Here are a few ideas of my own ideas that I’d add to the NIA’s list:
—Make exercise a priority—put exercise on your calendar
—Get some support—consider asking a friend to be an accountability partner, hire a health coach, or a personal trainer
—Anticipate how exercise will make you feel—when I REALLY don’t want to go to the gym, I strike a bargain with myself, “just 10 minutes.” Once I get going, it feels so good I stay for my full routine.
—Just do it! There are some things in life that are so important we need to do them whether we want to or not; changing a baby’s diaper comes to mind along with taking out the garbage, or doing your taxes. For some people (myself included), exercise is like that.
Affirmation: Exercise makes me feel good.
Coaching question: The hard truth is, you need to find the time and motivation to exercise or you’ll likely need to find the time for illness/disability in your future. It’s your choice. When will you start and what’s your first step?
Life after losing a mother 