From UGHxercise to Exercise
March 28, 2009
Say the word exercise and many people hear the word UGHxercise. Some days it’s just too tough to get moving. You don’t have enough time, you’re too tired, you don’t have the energy. The list of excuses is a mile long.
The ironic thing is that if you just start moving, the exercise really isn’t so bad and you always feel wonderful afterward.
Just like most people, I struggle with finding an exercise program I like and doesn’t bore me to tears. Here are some tips that help me stay active:
- Find something you like to do. If you enjoy the activity you are more likely to stick with it. I like to ride my bicycle and walk.
- Enlist a family member or friend. It’s always more fun to exercise with someone. My husband often joins me on my bike rides and walks; you can invite your spouse, a friend, a neighbor, one of your kids.
- Invest in an MP3 player. I couldn’t do it without my tunes. I like upbeat music that helps me keep up the pace of my ride or walk.
- Start slow. Don’t try to go out and run a marathon right away. It’s a sure way to burn out or worse, to injure yourself. Instead, start with 15-30 minutes each session and build up to your goal.
- Make small changes. We’ve all heard it before, take the stairs, park away from the building and walk, do some gardening. Small changes that can make a big difference. I’m here to tell you it works! I realized the other day that I am no longer huffing and puffing after climbing the stairs at work.
For me, the biggest motivator of all is the health benefit I get from exercising. As I’m working out, I try to visualize the good things happening inside my body.
Did you know that exercise can help:
Improve your mood. Exercise stimulates brain chemicals, which leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
Combat chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and others. This is a big one for me as I am high risk for developing diabetes.
Manage your weight by burning calories. It’s a simple formula: calories burned > calories ingested = weight loss
Strengthen your heart and lungs. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your cardiovascular system, helping them to work more efficiently.
I hope these tips will help you get from UGHxercise to exercise. Please drop me a note and let me know about any special tips you have for staying motivated to exercise.
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2 Responses to “From UGHxercise to Exercise”
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The absolute most fun exercise I’ve found is Zumba! I never thought I’d be someone who would exercise and enjoy it and do it 3 times a week or more but now I am! I’m glad I stumbled upon your site after a visit to a discussion board on WebMD! I too am on a quest to get healthy and lose weight. I’ve lost 50 pounds in the last year and I’m working to lose about 125 more or so! It’s a lot but I know I can do it even if it takes a few years! I know I’ll be back to read your blog again!
Thanks for the tip Michelle — I’ve never heard of Zumba but will have to look into it.
I’m so excited for your weight loss and healthy new lifestyle. I think you’ve got the right attitude - it may take a while but if you are changing your life, you’ve got many years to get to your ultimate goal. I always focus on short term goals so it doesn’t seem too daunting. Whether it is weight loss, exercise, healthy eating - I set a small, reasonable goal. Then when I reach that goal, I set another.
Welcome to my blog — I’m so glad you found it. I look forward to hearing more about your new, healthy lifestyle and hopefully will learn a thing or two from you.