Take struggle out of exercise
Q: Recently I consulted a doctor about having surgery to help me lose weight. I need to lose 100 pounds total, and my physician has agreed to do the surgery, but ONLY if I begin changing my lifestyle to incorporate better nutrition and exercise. I really want to have the surgery to lose weight, but exercise has always been a struggle for me. I don’t know where or how to begin. Help!
A: Starting an exercise program can be a challenge. What to do, where to start and how to continue are some of the questions asked by people beginning an exercise routine. Let’s begin by taking one question at a time to help get you started.
What to Do?
Oftentimes, this is the reason many people start and then quickly end their exercise regime. One way to answer this question is to ask, “What do I like to do?” If you can find a physical activity that you enjoy, or can tolerate doing, this is a great place to start. You might not mind walking, swimming, riding a bicycle or even playing tennis or shooting baskets. This can get you moving, and as you begin to move more and more, it may open you up to doing more exercise.
If you begin an exercise program with activities you don’t enjoy or even despise, you may be able to grit your teeth and get through your workouts for a while, but you’ll soon lose interest and motivation. Find something you enjoy, and get moving.
Where to Start?
Now that we have started to think about “what” we are going to do, it’s time to figure out how to begin. Start slow, but develop a schedule that can keep you on task. If you wait for the time to magically appear for you to exercise, that time may never come. With hectic schedules and other priorities, scheduling time to exercise is imperative. Once you have scheduled the time, start with a few minutes of exercise and build on it. You might only be able to walk a few blocks your first couple of weeks, but as you become more conditioned and your body begins to adjust to your moving, you’ll find it easier to walk farther and farther. Start slow and continue to progress.
On Staying Motivated
This has to be the hardest question of all. There are some people who truly do not like to exercise. If this is your situation, I would suggest understanding the importance of exercise first and why it is so important to your body. To stay motivated, solicit the help of friends or workout buddies.
Develop a support system of people in your life who will not only verbally encourage you, but be willing to come by your house and pick you up when you are having a tough time getting yourself to exercise. Hiring a certified personal trainer is another great option. Create a system of accountability and also maximize your time while completing an exercise program designed personally for your goals.
Exercise can be a challenge, but its benefits are worth it.