If you’ve recently met with a healthcare professional, you’ve likely been reminded of the benefits of healthy habits, such as balanced nutrition and a sustainable exercise routine. However, knowledge alone doesn’t translate to healthy habit formation. So, it’s not surprising that many people need more support than a verbal reminder to “move more” or “start exercising.” A sustainable exercise routine should be individualized since each person has preferences, needs, interests, and health considerations that all play a role. Here are six ways to help establish an exercise routine and adopt a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.
Six Ways To Start A Sustainable Exercise Routine
- Find Your Support System
Adults, especially older adults, benefit from external support to maintain healthy habits. If you find yourself lacking the internal drive to exercise (don’t worry, you are not alone), having an exercise or accountability partner can be a good source of motivation. In both instances, knowing another person is counting on you can be enough to keep you on track. If you find yourself unsure of what to do or what exercises are safe and recommended, working with a health professional, like a personal trainer, fitness instructor, or physical therapist, can help bring the expertise you are looking for. Exercising with your spouse or family member can also be a good source of bonding and quality time spent together.
- Be Organized
Establishing a sustainable exercise routine includes ensuring you have the time to exercise. If you try to add it on the fly, it’s not as likely to become a permanent habit. If you need help determining where exercise currently fits into your schedule, try logging your daily activities over a two-week period, including outings, errands, and anything else that pops up, to see where you typically have the most free time. If your schedule fluctuates from week to week, try sitting down on Sunday evening and writing out your schedule for the week, including exercise during your free time. Being organized and planning your week ahead is one way that you may find exercise seamlessly becomes part of your routine.
- Do What You Enjoy
There is no such thing as the single best exercise plan or routine. Your best exercise routine is the one that you enjoy and can stick with. When starting a new routine, don’t try to be someone that you’re not. If you’re unsure of what types of exercises or programs you like, explore a few different options, but only stick with the ones you like. Trying something new can also help avoid stagnancy, and you never know- you may find a new favorite exercise to add to your routine! But remember, it’s okay to say no to a cycling class if you know you don’t enjoy bike riding. Establish a weekly routine that works for you, including what activities and settings help you thrive. Finding exercises that you enjoy plays a big role in a sustainable exercise routine.
- Stay Motivated
We all know how tough it can be to stick with a new routine or build a new habit. We currently exist in an instant gratification culture, which makes establishing a sustainable exercise routine and lifestyle that much harder. Setting goals can help you stay motivated, so you always have something to work towards. First, start with attainable weekly goals. Set yourself up for success by starting with small goals to maintain motivation early on. As this becomes easier, set larger monthly goals. When you write down your exercise plan, include weekly and monthly goals as well. Tracking your progress will also help you see your hard work pay off in real-time.
- Be Realistic
Living a healthy lifestyle, including an exercise routine, means being realistic about what you can (and should) do every week. If you try to do too much or fit things in when you don’t have time, you will become burnt out and likely won’t be able to continue your exercise routine. If you’re not an early bird, it’s okay to just say no to the 7am class. Additionally, doing too much can also result in increased pain or injury, so it’s important to make sure that you’re following recommended exercise guidelines. As a reminder, you don’t need to exercise every single day, but you should aim to be active most days of the week. Staying true to yourself and avoiding unrealistic demands or expectations can also help set you up for success.
- Be Consistent
Above all else, consistency plays the greatest role in a sustainable exercise routine. It’s okay if your days or weeks don’t look exactly the same. There may be some days that you do less and others that you do more, but keep making a conscious effort to make exercise part of your everyday routine. As long as you are consistent, your exercise routine will become established. And over time, it will become so ingrained that less and less effort will be required. So be consistent, keep showing up, and you will reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Take Home Message
At the start, establishing an exercise routine takes time and effort. Following the above steps can help set you up for success so you can develop a sustainable exercise routine and healthy lifestyle. At Rothkoff Law Group, we have a team of professionals helping ensure you have the support you need today and while planning for the future. Reach out today to learn more about how our team can assist you along the way.