1. Start Small
Incorporating exercise is an important element of any diet or lifestyle change. Not only does it help you lose weight faster, it improves heart health, elevates your mood and decreases your chances of many diseases and health conditions. If you are new to exercising, then it is best to start small and check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen. Park away from the entrance to work and walk a little more. Skip the elevator and use the stairs instead. Take a leisurely stroll after dinner and enjoy some fresh air. Getting your body moving is step one of incorporating exercise into your diet and lifestyle.
2. Invest in a Pedometer
A pedometer tracks the number of steps you take in a day. Wearing it will give you a good idea of how active you are (or aren't). Try to take 6000 steps per day to be at a moderate beginner's level of exercise. That translates to about 60 to 90 minutes of light aerobic activity a week. Wearing a pedometer can help you increase your steps, working up to higher levels of fitness over time.
3. Try Some New Activities
Exercise doesn't have to be boring, such as mindless walking on a treadmill. It can be ballroom dancing, water aerobics, yoga and even gardening in your backyard. Don't be afraid to try some new activities in your quest for enjoyable exercise. The point is to get moving doing something you enjoy. If you hate running or step aerobics, don't build your workout calendar around those activities. Instead, try out new activities and stick with the ones you like doing. If you look forward to exercising, it makes it a lot easier to do on a regular basis than if you dread it.
4. Use the Buddy System
Sometimes partnering up with a friend can motivate you to start and continue to exercise. Having someone counting on you to show up for an early morning walk may get you out of bed faster than if you were going by yourself. Your workout buddy should be someone whose company you enjoy. He should also be as motivated to exercise on a regular basis as you are.
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