The hardest part about exercising is getting out the door – this is where many people fail. Most people tell me that once they’re out there, they’re ok, they’re actually enjoying it, it’s the getting out there that’s the problem.
So today I’m going to share with you a very simple way to get started and get out that door consistently, until exercise becomes something you enjoy and look forward to, so getting out the door is no longer a problem.
Here’s how to start exercising today (even if you don’t want to):
It’s this simple: Go for just a 10-minute walk every day, starting today (do not delay starting!).
When you’re walking, try to be as present as possible, breathe and notice how your body feels. Walk at a pace that feels comfortable.
Do this every day until it becomes easy and enjoyable and you feel like you want to do a little more. Then increase the time to 15 minutes. For some, this might take just a few days, for others few weeks. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, the important thing is that you do not extend your walks until you really want to, because it feels good, not because you feel you should.
Increase the length of your walks little by little. From 15 minutes to 20 minutes and so on, only when it feels good and your body wants more!
Here’s why this works:
The part of your mind that’s been conditioned by diet culture to want fast results might resist this method – if that happens, think long-term. If you start with this today. Think about where you’ll be next year this time! You could, for example, easily be running the Park Run every Saturday with a smile on your face! Compare that to the many times you’ve started all guns blazing and a year later you were back in square one!
The key is to not advance until the 10 minutes feels good. This way, it becomes something you enjoy and look forward to doing. Exercise becomes a treat, not a punishment. This is the key to long-term success and lasting results!
So for now, start with 10 minutes and don’t worry about the results, just enjoy it. Do it as soon as you can after reading this and enjoy it!
If you enjoyed your 10-minute walk, you might want to join my next WalkFit course. Read more and book your place here
Enjoy your walk!