Creating your exercise routine

Some times the hardest part is getting yourself in the right mind set to exercise, telling yourself that it is ok for the other chores, work, tasks that are mounting up on the to do list that they can wait till after you have exercised and placed importance on yourself and your own health. Think about  how much you value your own health, are you happy with how your current level of health is, can you do everything you need or want to do? If you answered no to some, one or all of these then your health is important to you and you should allow time for yourself.

Try this tip, draw up or print off, or use an electronic diary (what ever works best for you) and mark off for the week all of your work times. Then place in any appointments for the week, any other family commitments, drop offs, pick ups, dinner time etc ..... you get the picture. Now set a goal of how many times you would like to exercise this week, making it realistic and place it on your calendar. There's your first commitment, now we are going to aim for three commitments to help you succeed in achieving your scheduled exercise for the week. Who will you be accountable to, friend, family, myself....? Tell someone your plans so they can check in on you hold you accountable for the goal you set. Now the third commitment, preparation, set a reminder and get your clothes and whatever else you need ready. This last part is important particularly if you are going to be exercising first thing in the morning, your clothes are ready, or if straight after work. Your ready!

There's one of the first hurdles covered, as you complete your session, mark it off and write what you did, this is a great motivational tool to see progress and your commitment. I normally suggest that it takes three weeks to form a habit, keep in mind that within your first six months of starting a new exercise habit it is really easy to fall out of routine. If this does happen, don't despair! Do you hear people suggesting they will start next week....on Monday, 'this week didn't happen as I missed Monday and Tuesday, so I'll start again next week'. I bet you have heard it many times, well then I know you will have heard this too 'there is no time like the present'. The longer you put it off, the harder it is to get started, don't wait till Monday.