So, what's your next step?
Once you have decided that you want to be more physically active, there are a few questions you may need to consider to be successful in your efforts.
1. WHO?
WHO is your motivation to be more active?
Is it for yourself, your family, maybe a friend, or better yet to honor God with your body?
Whoever is driving your passion, remind yourself every morning you are worth every effort you invest into making yourself better and all involved deserve the best version of you, and being physically active makes you better.
2. WHAT?
What is your overall motivation for becoming physically active?
* For long-term goals, focus on internal reasons, such as lowering blood pressure, having more energy, and sleeping better.
* For short-term goals, focus on measurable goals, such as jean size, inches, and weight.
3. WHEN:
When do you have available for exercise?
Where will you be physically active?
5. HOW:
How will you be physically active?
Ideas to get you moving now...
At home
At Work/Getting Around
CONSIDER OBSTACLES/DISTRACTIONS
Responsibilities
If you have children, time can seem tied up. Consider taking your children for a walk or to the park to run and play. Or think of family or friends who could care for your children while you exercise.
Money
Becoming more physically active does not have to be expensive. If money is tight, opt for equipment free exercises, such as running/walking, push ups, squats and crunches and research different exercises online for variety. Begin to save a little every week for any equipment you would like to have, such as bands, dumbbells, stability balls, clothes, or a heart rate monitor.
Weather
Have a back-up plan for days when you cannot exercise outside, such as a DVD, a magazine workout or an on-line routine.
Rewards
Choose non-food rewards, such as a new outfit, a pedicure, a day-off from chores or extra time with friends.
1. WHO?
WHO is your motivation to be more active?
Is it for yourself, your family, maybe a friend, or better yet to honor God with your body?
Whoever is driving your passion, remind yourself every morning you are worth every effort you invest into making yourself better and all involved deserve the best version of you, and being physically active makes you better.
2. WHAT?
What is your overall motivation for becoming physically active?
* For long-term goals, focus on internal reasons, such as lowering blood pressure, having more energy, and sleeping better.
* For short-term goals, focus on measurable goals, such as jean size, inches, and weight.
3. WHEN:
When do you have available for exercise?
- Morning/evening?
- Before/after work?
- You may need to rethink priorities and commitments OR choose activities that accommodate your busy schedule.
Where will you be physically active?
- Inside/outside?
- Gym/home/track/park/work?
5. HOW:
How will you be physically active?
- Group/individual
- Class/DVD/other
- Structured/spontaneous
- Using equipment/body weight
Ideas to get you moving now...
At home
- Take a walk after dinner
- Increase the intensity of doing house chores
- Set a timer to do 30 squats, 30 jumping jacks and 30 crunches at least 3 times a day.
- Check out Workouts under Fitness.
- Stream over 1200 fitness videos from Beachbody on Demand (click here to sign up).
At Work/Getting Around
- Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Use your lunch hour to take a walk, run or do 15 minutes of stretching/exercises.
- Park further from your entrance.
- Get a pedometer and try to beat the number of steps you take every week.
CONSIDER OBSTACLES/DISTRACTIONS
Responsibilities
If you have children, time can seem tied up. Consider taking your children for a walk or to the park to run and play. Or think of family or friends who could care for your children while you exercise.
Money
Becoming more physically active does not have to be expensive. If money is tight, opt for equipment free exercises, such as running/walking, push ups, squats and crunches and research different exercises online for variety. Begin to save a little every week for any equipment you would like to have, such as bands, dumbbells, stability balls, clothes, or a heart rate monitor.
Weather
Have a back-up plan for days when you cannot exercise outside, such as a DVD, a magazine workout or an on-line routine.
Rewards
Choose non-food rewards, such as a new outfit, a pedicure, a day-off from chores or extra time with friends.