Simple Methods to Make Exercise a Part of Your Routine
+ how to discover what works best for you
The best exercise method is the one that works best for you and your lifestyle — period.
According to the experts, movement is 1 of the top 5 key pillars of both mental and physical health. 🤸🏼♀️
Being fit has a reputation for being costly and hard. It can be — but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be. If there is only one thing I’ve done correctly in my mid-twenties it is: making movement a daily habit. And I’m also here to tell you it costs me almost nothing monthly $.
My #1 method in making exercise a part of my daily routine: doing what works best for me.
Before making movement a daily habit, I had the typical exercise journey. Would get on a health kick for a few weeks → slowly but surely would lose motivation → would stop and avoid the gym for months→ would feel unfit so would drag myself back into the gym — rinse, repeat. This all changed when I got really clear about how I prefer to exercise in accordance with my current lifestyle. And when I decided to change my mindset on "how achieving health is hard”.
Tips for discovering what works best for you (when it comes to fitness):
Consider your fitness levels —
Everyone is different and that’s not a bad thing. Whether you’re a beginner or a guru… it doesn’t make much of a difference here. So now that we’ve established one isn’t better than the other, get really clear on your current physical fitness level. It’s important to try out different exercise methods to best find the ones that resonate with you. Is running best suited for you? Or maybe it’s yoga, boxing, pilates, crossfit? Figure out what you enjoy best and can continuously go back to.
Consider your lifestyle —
Do you work a sedentary job or are you always on the move? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? What’s your monthly health & wellness budget? Again, there are no right answers here.
If you have a sedentary lifestyle you might consider a higher-impact workout to get your heart rate up. If you have a stressful lifestyle you may need to opt for a low-impact exercise like yoga or pilates.
Are at home workouts better suited for you? Or does getting out of the house and into the gym sound more ideal? The point is you have options.
Consider your schedule —
Are you a morning worm or a night owl? Can you find a suitable movement schedule that you can repeat weekly? After all, consistency is key here. With a busy schedule, you may need to do short and intense workouts that target multiple muscle groups. Another great option is fitting in mini 5 minute routines to break up your day (lunch break, after work, before bed, etc.).
Experiment with what’s going to be best for you. And remember that this is going to change over time so just go with it. Once you’ve considered the previously mentioned — it is time to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
Simple Methods to Make Exercise a Part of Your Routine:
1. SCHEDULE IN YOUR WORKOUTS
The same way you schedule appointments, calls, meetings, etc. into your calendar — it’s worth blocking out time for your workouts. At least until you make it a habit.
2. FIND WORKOUT PARTNERS/ACCOUNTABILITY
Working out with a partner can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable. Do yoga with your S/O, go on a HGW (hot girl walk) with a friend, take your dog for a hike. Joining a club is always a great option too. 👟
3. BE REALISTIC
Starting small is key to making exercise a part of your daily routine. Begin with shorter workouts and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Listen to your body.
Different phases of life may benefit from different kinds of exercise. — 2% with Michael Easter
Shifting your mindset and being realistic about exercising can help relieve some of the mental pressure. Start with where you’re at and with what you have. Looking for more realistic options? These are my favorite budget friendly workout options:
walks in nature, runs in nature, hikes
free youtube videos: at home yoga, at home pilates, at home HIIT workouts, etc.
low cost wellness app subscriptions, low cost gym memberships
4. SPICE IT UP
Even if that means throwing in a wine down wednesday as an incentive for evening yoga. 🍷🍃
5. ESTABLISH GOALS AND REWARDS
Some more things to consider: What are your current wellness goals? What will it take to get you to move your body routinely? (& the fun one) What will be your reward for meeting your goal(s)?
I hope this makes exercising a less daunting task in your mind! See you in your inbox soon for more things wellness.
— KARLA
How can I join your community?”
Join the SS WELLNESS CLUB — Link
Connect through Social Media — Link
Find More Wellness Resources — Link
Subscribe & Read our Newsletter — Link
Or: