One of the problems with exercising is that we set our brains to do it at some specific place or hour. I have constantly challenged these assumptions. My life, routine, and schedule are not like someone else’s. So, why should I try to fit into a lifestyle or a plan that is not mine?
The best time to exercise is when you can. You just need to make it a habit! Then, time and place will become a secondary issue. I have always been an advocate that you can accomplish fitness goals anytime, anywhere.
Having worked different shifts throughout my life, I learned to accommodate my daily exercise to whatever shift I had that day. For example, if I worked until late at night, I did not have the motivation (or disposition!) to get up early, go to the gym, or try any outdoor activity. Sleeping and regaining my energy were way more critical than stumbling to exercise. So, an afternoon or evening workout was a great option!
There are also seasonal conditions. Although I like summer and its weather for exercising, it is crazy to go out on days when the temperature is scorching. During these days, I completely change my hours and type of activities. For instance, I add more swimming by going to the beach for the weekend. Unlike many people that see the beach as a place just to sunbathe, I make it one of my added places to be fit. If the water is too cold, I will go for a walk. The idea is to keep moving. At least one hour of my beach trip must be dedicated to exercise. And to be honest, I love it!
And when I had children, everything had to be modified as their schedule became my schedule! Everyday life activities, as I knew, had to be updated daily.
Although many experts say that we must stick to a serious routine, I found it complicated to accomplish. For me, it becomes a chore! Just the little thought that it is one more obligation triggers me to avoid it. Instead, exercise should be a fun, relaxing, and happy activity that promotes physical and mental wellbeing.
Here are a few rules I learned to keep an informal exercising routine during my life changes:
You Need to Truly Believe That Without Daily Exercise, Your Health and wellbeing Can Be Compromised
This is a given. I am sure you know the benefits of exercising, but I found it puzzling how many people are still thinking that being in shape or losing weight is the rationale for a workout. Those are the consequences of your promise to exercise daily. It should not be your primary motivation. Your health, mental wellbeing, and happiness are more valuable than just looking good.
You Must Set Your Mind to Desire Exercise
And the best way is by digging into yourself to find daily motivation. Instead of saying “I am going to exercise,” practice saying, “I need to take a break,” or “I am going to have fun.” It might sound silly, but it makes a substantial difference! Not seeing it as an obligation will rewire your brain to desire to go out, walk, bike, and more. It is fun. It is enjoyable!
Rely on an Established Workout Type
It never worked for me! I will do whatever makes me happy that day. Doing the same type of activity every day has proved why I failed to exercise. It may also be why I could never get into exercising at the gym. I enjoy the challenges of walking to a new place, swimming at the beach, and biking freely!
You Should Be Willing to Accept the Unexpected and Think About Long-Term Achievements
There are days we cannot exercise; being sick is a good example. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it. Just accept it. Some days, we cannot fit in an exercise due to schedule, family, and work. An effective way of solving this is by thinking about long-term achievements. If you are a regular, missing a few days will not make an enormous difference. You should not feel bad but envision how you can make it up. Remember, it is not an obligation. It is an enjoyable time of your day.
Use All the Tech Resources Available to Keep You Going and Motivated
Music makes exercise more effective, but more so, music makes your daily routine fun! The only things you need are the correct type of tech accessories. Headphones, earphones, and speakers can take your fitness to a new level. Pre-select your music list, listen to the radio, or tune in to your favorite podcast to make it more pleasant. For some, walking is also one of the best times to catch up with their audiobook!
You Must Make It a Daily Habit
When you make a list of resolutions, most likely, it will stay on the paper. However, once you build habits, they will stay with you! The same principle applies to exercise. Make it a daily habit! Considering the unexpected days I mentioned before, daily, regular exercise is the key. It gets to the point that it makes you crave physical activity.
Conclusion
I feel that exercise is like any other activity in life that you commit to. You need to take it seriously and accept its strain but keep moving on. Just because it did not work for you for a few days, you should not give it up or get discouraged. It happens to all of us! So just pull yourself together and get on with it as soon as possible. And do not worry about what time or place it will happen!