Brave Tips for Reluctant Exercisers

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If the thought of doing burpees makes you want to vomit then this article is for you!
Not all people jump out of bed excited to take on the day. It may involve 3 snooze alarms, a coffee and the thought of an unhappy boss or hungry kids to finally get you up.

Integrating exercise into daily habits is far better for your health than entering into a pattern of ‘bang and bust’. This means you start something with very strong intensions, physically go beyond your limits too quickly, and give up going back to channel surfing and scrolling Facebook at the same time. This may last 3 months and then you try again with a similar result.

Another pattern is that you may have been going well and over time either lost your motivation, are stressed out at work, time poor or have experienced injury and chronic pain. You may have put on more weight than you can bear to accept and, although you know you aren’t in great shape, you find it very difficult to change your eating and movement behaviors. Sadly this can affect your mood, your body perception, confidence and relationships.

This may be hard to accept, but no-one can change your behavior but you. It just takes one decision to become healthier. When you make that decision your mind will instruct your body what to do and your body will follow those instructions.
Here’s some simple ideas to get you moving.

1. Every time you make a cup of tea or coffee do 20 squats. It’s called ‘booty duty’ and yes, your biggest muscle in your body needs regular attention.
2. Set monthly challenges. One month walk 30 minutes 4-5 times a week. The next month, go for a swim 2-3 times a week. The next month join a local group fitness class. Just keep moving! If boredom is your kryptonite then mixing up your programs can be a great way to stay interested, while also cross-training your body.
3. Hire a personal coach. There are many qualified fitness professionals that are inspired to help you learn, grow and move. With a qualified training professional to help you get stronger and more flexible you are more likely to stay committed to your goals.
4. Think of your family. If you get on the scales and your BMI is out of the healthy weight range then unfortunately denial will not help you. It is very important for your heart and organs to make important changes in your life. Your family love you and need you to be here.
   
   

Finally, no doubt you have heard it before but you really can’t out-train a bad diet. Good nutrition and adequately fueling your body is the key. Chocolate, sugar, salty snacks and alcohol are not your friends. They add layers of fat around your organs and clog up your arteries.
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Creating healthy new habits one day at a time will make you feel better, lose unnecessary weight, get stronger, be flexible and retain your independence for many years to come.
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Be brave, make small positive changes and start moving!

​Ellissa Nolan MCA. JP, Gym & Pilates Instructor
Fitness Australia REP 
Owner/Instructor Mountains Pilates Studio

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