How To Make Physical Exercise a Permanent Habit

It’s all too easy not to make exercise a habit; to put it way down the bottom of your to-do list.

Yet we know that exercise is good for us and that it helps us to maintain a healthy weight. So only way to make sure you commit to regular exercise is to put it right up the top and arrange the rest of your day around it.

This is kind of like creating a budget from the bottom up; first you work out your bottom line, then you arrange your expenses to fit that bottom line. So it is with your exercise routine. If it becomes a ‘must have’ rather than a ‘nice to have’, you are more likely to keep it up.

 

Make It Fun

I have to admit, I’m not someone who struggles with maintaining an exercise routine. I know it’s something I must do; just like brushing my teeth; and I do it. No questions asked.

Granted it is a little boring at times but that doesn’t bother me.

But don’t underestimate boredom; it’s the one emotion most people would do anything to avoid.

If boredom with your exercise regime bothers you then you are more likely to self-sabotage and stay on the couch; you must give yourself the best chance of success by doing something you enjoy.

Perhaps you love team sports. If so, join a team. If you like to dance, then dance. Make exercise fun and enjoyable and you will want to continue and most importantly, it will help you with weight loss.

The general consensus is that it takes around 21-28 days to create a habit, but Melbourne hypnotherapy can help you create habits even faster because it works on a subconscious level. Balance exercise with your lifestyle; make it fit in with your life and it will become something that you ‘just do’.

 

Make it Sensible

There’s nothing more soul-destroying than going in too hard with exercise when you are unfit. If you haven’t exercised for a while, don’t commit to 7 days a week at the gym.

Doing this will put your health and risk and probably cause you to give up after the first week. Instead, go in slowly and sensibly. Start with 2 days per week and gradually build up to more. As you gain more fitness you will also gain confidence and lose weight.

There’s no point saying ‘I’m going to exercise 5 times a week because I should.’ If you don’t have time to do that, you’re not going to do it.

In fact this is the biggest mistake I see people making. They over-commit and under-deliver, and because they’re so disappointed in themselves, they give up completely.

Instead of making yourself wrong, commit to something that will challenge you, but is doable within the confines of your lifestyle. The middle way is always best.

 

Make It Count

In order to burn fat, you need to be working within about 65% to 80% of your maximum heart rate. This is called your fat burning zone and there are lots of calculators available on the internet that will help you work out yours.

Bottom line; a one hour walk can burn a lot of fat or just a little, depending on your commitment. If you go for a walk, I suggest you carry some weights as you walk and stop every now and again to do some squats or lunges. This will bring your heart rate up and make your exercise routine count.

If you want to stick to your exercise regime, it has to be about more than just weight loss. What does regular exercise brings to the table for you? I exercise because it helps be stay slim, but also because it helps my mood and energy levels.

Why do you do it?

 

When you know the answer to this question, the next time you’re tempted to hit the snooze button instead of getting up and going for a run, you’ll be more likely to stick to your guns and choose the run.

If you’d like me to help you make exercise a habit, feel free to contact me here.