How I made exercise a part of my routine in 4 simple steps

Want to exercise more but don't know where to start?

Photo by andrew dinh on Unsplash

I was also someone who wanted to increase my physical activity but didn't know what to do and had trouble fitting it in my schedule. After busy days, I found it difficult to be active but these tips helped me increase my physical activity.

You may be tempted to charge into working out like the fitness creators you see online but hold up! It may be easier to start small and work your way up from there.

Here's a few beginner friendly moves you can make:

• Start with some stretches.

• Look for beginner friendly tutorials online.

• Try an easy workout that can be done at home.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

If you find yourself endlessly scrolling social media or lying around not doing anything in particular, why not use that free time to exercise?

Easy Ways to Build in Exercise Time

• Block out some time 2-3 slots a week specifically for exercise.

• Instead of sitting on the couch, go for a quick walk.

• Watching TV or listening to music? Get up and stretch.

• Don't have plans today? Do a workout!

When I was increasing my physical activity, I found that setting goals for myself was a great motivator. I first started small with 2 sessions a week. Once I completed that, I increased it to 3 and kept it going until I had a regular exercise schedule every week.

To set a goal:

• Pick a realistic number of sessions you want to do each week.

• Try a goal that is specific to an action, like "I want to do 30 push ups."

• Once you finish one goal, make another one that is still attainable.

Exercise doesn't have to be the same old walking, running, or weightlifting. Have some fun and spice it up! I started incorporating dancing into my routine so I could get active and listen to my favorite songs.

Here are a few ways you can make it more fun:

• Dancing is a great way to get moving and it supports cardiovascular health, balance, and strength.

• Fitness classes are a great way to be active and meet new people with similar interests.

• Try a new sport like swimming, soccer, or basketball.

• Do something you enjoy after you finish.

Now is the time to start! With these steps in mind, I hope you find ways to become more active.

To get your fitness journey started: