How to create the habit of exercise

This can be applicable for any area you would like to create a habit in. But, since I'm a fitness expert, we're going to focus on fitness.

If you find yourself to be an all in or all out type. One month you’re at the gym everyday. The next month you're cruising through the latest Netflix series like a boss with no gym time on the radar.

This is for you.

I don't work with unmotivated people but I find a common thing is that people tend to overthink fitness.

Yes, you can and should be strategic. IF you have very specific fitness goals.

If you don't have extreme goals like : running a marathon, having a six pack or hitting PRs(personal records) in the gym. Then it's time we take a step back and not overthink it.

You do not HAVE to weight train. You do not HAVE to go to the gym. You do not HAVE to do yoga.

Are all these things beneficial and would I recommend them? Yes

But is it a make or break if you don't, no.

What is important is that you are doing something to advance your health. But it can be something you enjoy.

Let me say that again. You can do something to advance your health...and you can enjoy it.

I used to force myself to run. I can remember Sunday mornings all I wanted to do was sleep and I would force myself to get up and run. It makes me so mad to think about it. Because after a sleepover or being out Saturday night my body needed rest!

But I thought that's what I had to do. I thought to be fit it had to come with a side of misery.

No. No. No. No. No.

It is so important to live your freaking life and enjoy it! And you can do it in a way that you make progress and benefit your health and enjoy it.

Now could there be seasons where a different area of your life is requiring more of your attention. Which means you can’t give as much to your health so it takes a little extra wheel power?

Yes, BUT it is also so important to assess those seasons in your life and see what you can change rather than give up on.

What do I mean by that? I love walking. I try to walk everyday to get some fresh air and get my body moving. Lately I have been working on a lot of projects and so I can't walk everyday.

Instead of giving up on my love for walking, I adjust. So instead of not walking anymore because I can't stick to my old routine. I switched it up. Now I put in my schedule to walk 3-4 times a week rather than everyday.

I'm still moving the needle forward of giving attention to my health. But in this season I can't give as much time. And that's okay!

So to create a habit of exercise you need to establish what you enjoy.

Maybe you like taking classes. So you register for a group class once a week because that's what you can manage right now and you know it's good for you. Evaluate next month and maybe you can adjust to twice a week.

It could be that you and your spouse need a little movement in your life. So instead of a show every night, 3 nights out of the week you can go for a walk after or before work.

Maybe you are discouraged because you can’t get yourself to get to the gym 5 days a week like you used to. Try a home program and start with 20 minute workouts 1-2 times a week.

There is no right or wrong way to get your body moving. Yes there are some things you could do that would get you “results quicker”

But put that aside for now and focus on the habit, the routine.

The rest will come

So where to start?

Establish what you enjoy and what is doable right now.

In a month reassess your commitment and enjoyment level.

Is it serving you? Do you need to step back a little or step it up.

Neither is “good” or “bad”

What's important is doing what serves you best right here, right now.

Go find what you enjoy:)