How to Make Exercise a Daily Routine

Almost everyone wishes that they could exercise more. The reasons that people have for not making exercise a daily routine range from not having enough time to working out being too hard or even boring - and everything in between. In reality, it's pretty easy to get into a routine if you follow a few simple tips. And it doesn't have to be boring or hard! Read on to learn how to easily make exercise a daily routine - one that you won't dread!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
   Set Aside Time to Exercise

   ~ Set Aside a Specific Time ~
   
   Many people don't make exercise a daily routine because they constantly run out of time. However, if you plan it into your day - just like you plan work, meetings, phone calls, and eating - you'll find that it's much easier to actually do it. Make an appointment to work out. Write it in your planner and keep it!

2. 
   Work Out with a Friend

   ~ Get a Friend or Family Member Involved ~
   
   It's much easier to stick to an exercise routine when you've also made the commitment to someone else. Plus it's a lot more fun to do when you aren't doing it alone. Find a friend, a spouse, a sibling, or even your kids and get them to commit to exercising with you.

3. 
   Do Something You Enjoy

   ~ Do Something you Enjoy ~
   
   Don't feel like you have to do something you hate in order to make exercise a daily routine. The time you spend getting in shape doesn't have to be in a gym or in front of the television doing aerobics that you can't keep up with. You'll find it much easier to do if you find something you actually like doing. Love walking? Then commit to spending your time walking. If you enjoy hiking, find some nature trails and get moving. Are sports your thing? Find some like-minded people and get involved in a sport.

4. 
   Make it Fun!

   ~ Find Exercise Opportunities in Strange Places ~
   
   It's true, playing with your kids can be exercise! You don't have to spend your time on a treadmill or stair stepper. Running around the yard with your kids, or rollerblading for fun is also exercise. Think outside the box and incorporate exercise into things that you find fun to do! It won't even feel like you are working out.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let a few days of no exercise allow you to stop all together. Once you realize that you've fallen off the wagon, make sure you get right back on it again!

[roanna]

on 7/16/2009 Good tips. I need to work on #2 step:)

[ezyas123]

on 6/22/2009 Great tips!