1-Realize how important exercise is to your health as well as your appearance.
Quite often we begin an exercise program to look better and that’s fine but we need to realize that if we want optimum health, we must get some exercise. “For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination.” (1) Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
2-Realize how important YOU are.
No one can take your place in the World. Whether there are a lot of people who depend on you or you live alone, you are unique and you have gifts and callings that only you can use. Realize your value. If you provide care for others, you can’t continue to do that if your health fails. Take care of yourself.
3-Make proper arrangements for your exercise.
Decide what you will do, when, where and how you will get there. Personally, I love working out at home because it’s quick and easy. I lift heavy weights because I want the strength and appearance that comes with it. When I first began, David told me to commit to four days every week and consider it like my job. I have done just that. I know exactly when, where and what I will do and I am consistent. Consistency is very important to see results. While I like to swim, it’s too time consuming and that’s not the look that I want, so decide what works for you and do it.
4-Buy the clothes!
Buy a good pair of shoes that are designed for your activity. Ladies, buy a good sports bra. Nothing is as disruptive to an exercise program as breasts with a mind of their own. If feeling stylish and pretty is important to you in a public gym, buy the outfit even if you have to wash the same one every night and wear it again the next day. Guys, if you want to run, buy an athletic supporter. These seemingly frivolous details will make all the difference in the world in your willingness to continue your program.
5-Arrange your schedule to prioritize exercise.
When you have a lot of responsibilities, unless you pencil in exercise as a top priority, it will fall to the bottom of the list and not get done. We teach “Make your world small.” Cut out superfluous activities and negative people, who do not benefit you, to make time for exercise. If you don’t seem to be able to find 30-45 minutes most days to work out, you definitely need to reprioritize your life.
6-Be willing to change your chosen activity.
Regardless of how much you’ve talked about “what you do” or what arrangements you have made, if you decide that you don’t like that activity, change it! If you hate it or it’s almost impossible to work into your life, you won’t keep doing it. Be proactive and find an activity that you will do.
7-Avoid the neighsayers!
Occasionally someone will look at me with insincere concern in their eyes and say. “Why do you do that to yourself?” in reference to my weight training. Well, the obvious answer is “I want to be strong…and I like the look.” It shuts them up. The truth is, they don’t have the commitment to do anything consistently and they resent me doing it. Avoid these people. They do not have your best interest at heart.
8-Associate with like-minded people.
Sometimes that’s hard to do in our lethargic society, so seek out online information like us. If you trim away the negative people and firmly establish your identity as a health-minded individual, eventually other people who think similarly will sift into your life. It’s a process but it will happen and it’s well worth the wait. When you talk to these people, they understand why you do what you do.
9-Reward yourself!
As you make progress and stick to your workout schedule, reward yourself with NON-FOOD rewards. I occasionally buy a new piece of workout equipment or new workout clothes. The equipment is awesome and the new clothes mark progress in a very special way. When I first began heavy lifting, booty shorts were not my favorite thing. Now, I wear them every workout. They represent 2 1/2 years of hard work. Update your wardrobe to showcase your hard earned progress. It will motivate you to keep going.
10-TOTALLY commit!
Make your workouts non-negotiable. I once had an abusive family member who hated for me to be strong. There was a reason for that. As my physical strength increased, my mental and emotional strength followed. As a result, I left that abusive relationship. You may have good people in your life who simply don’t want to give up time with you and sometimes they want to commandeer your time. My grandmother hated for me to exercise because she wanted me doing stuff for her. She loved me and I loved her but exercise was a bone of contention between us. I still worked out. She is gone now and I have never regretted a single workout.
You are the only one who can control your time.
Use it wisely.
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(1) https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/physical-activity-guidelines-for-americans/index.html
Another A++ Brenda Sue! They say common sense isn’t common anymore but you will find plenty of COMMON SENSE here. I found that my backyard, although not big, is big enough to walk 40 minutes a day – I do go around in circles but I also listen to music, get some fresh air and get moving. I’ve also invested in a good stationary bike and had it professionally assembled (a birthday present to myself). Next step is to get into weight training…any articles on that topic would be awesome.
Hi Linda! Thank you for your comment! You might like “Women and Strength Training” It’s here on the website. Here is your link https://davidsway.blog/2019/08/05/women-and-strength-training/ I wrote Lessons of The Iron here https://davidsway.blog/2019/11/02/lessons-of-the-iron/ I hope these articles will be of assistance. Make sure that your doctor approves you to lift weights. While I dearly love it, it’s not for everyone for many reasons. Thank you for your continued support. There are other references to weight training on the website. Just search “weight training” or “strength training” on the Home Page for more information. Brenda Sue ♥
Thanks Brenda Sue…I’ve been looking through the website and found some excellent info. I was a bodybuilder in a past life (practically lived at Gold’s Gym in Reseda for 2 years) but again, a lifetime ago. I need to start from square one without the benefit of a home gym. I do have some barbells and my initial goal is get some definition and strength back in my arms. I will definitely check it out!
Good for you, Linda! While I love working at home, you will have the benefit of the latest, greatest equipment at a good gym. I hope things go well for you. 🙂
Hi Linda,
Good on you for making the best use of the space you have for walking. I love to walk and can get lost in my music no matter where I might be. I hope you found the weight training articles Brenda Sue suggested to be helpful. If there is a topic you cannot find, please let us know, if we have not covered it already, we can always do an article for you. We have done articles in the past on special request from our readers. We truly appreciate your support and kind comments my friend, please spread the word about us.
David
10 fantastic points here. Great article 👍
Thank you! We aim to please my friend. We always appreciate your supportive comments my friend.
Thank you, Ms.T.J ! We intend to give our followers practical methods to navigate healthy living. We appreciate your continued support.:)