subject: Why You Should Exercise [print this page] You were so disciplined and adjusted that you never missed a day of exercise until one day, a bad cold hit you, followed by a few rainy days and your energy completely went down the drain. You want so much to get back into it again but nothing seems to work. When you just feel too heavy to get off the couch, try these ideas to get yourself all fired up to work out again.
1. You're started once you just do something!
Once you've done the breaking of inertia which is not easy, the hardest part is over. All it takes is one positive step no matter how it small. It may be one healthy meal, a few stretches, a short walk and you are all to tell yourself that you're over the hump and you're on your way.
2. Do it for three days
So you made it through day one. Whatever good step you did, do it for a minimum of three consecutive days. The three-day repetition will give you back your confidence and you will feel that you're back in control. Keep this concept in mind and it will help you regain interest and become motivated over and over again. Don't worry too much if it isn't the most challenging action, your purpose is simply to get back into the groove. You can resume your power workout in time.
3. 10-minute solution
Okay, you're exercising again, but what if the couch potato sign hits you the next day? Don't give in. Make a deal with yourself ahead that you only have to do 10 minutes and after that you can stop, then do it without giving yourself a chance to reconsider. Though the workout may not be the full blown high intensity kind you are used to, it is enough to keep you from slipping back to inactivity. Consider this approach as a tool to help you get through those low energy, low motivation days. There will be days when you'll just feel so released that the 10 minutes are over, but there will also be times when you would feel so fired up, there's no stopping you. Either way, you win!
4. Find new tricks
Always be proactive and learn to motivate yourself. Try to find out what it is that inspires you to take action, invent new tricks, create fresh ideas. One person I know puts on an exercise video or watches one over the internet when she feels too inactive to workout, but once the music gets going it's easier for her to join in. Whenever those days hit you, just reach for this list and rev back up.
5. Anyway do it
Do it anyway whenever a day's that you don't feel like going to work out. Cleaning the house or washing the clothes is the same thing goes. The significant thing is that you won't just wait around unless you're in the mood. Forget about the leftover chocolate cake and have your fresh fruit instead. Turn off the television and put on your running shoes. When you are seriously faithful to your goals, do not allow yourself to find any excuse not to do what you're supposed to. Tell yourself, "Come hell or high water, I'll do it anyway."
