Starting a exercise program can be both exciting and daunting. The great news is that all exercise is beneficial for your health, whether it be resistance training, yoga, running, or just taking walks.
It’s important to note that exercise isn’t necessary to reach your weight loss goal. What you eat is much more important for losing weight.
Where exercise can help is for maintaining weight loss, feeling good, and improving overall health. Thus, we recommend adding more activity a couple weeks after starting the program. If you already live an active lifestyle, just keep it going!
Choosing the Best Exercise
Several factors will influence what type of exercise is best for you. Some of these factors include:
- Your current state of health and pre-existing medical conditions
- Your schedule and lifestyle
- What you enjoy doing
- What your goals are
- Available equipment
Most important, pick something that you actually want to do. The activity you choose should not feel like a pain but rather something that you look forward to.
There are successful people on Keyto that are professional athletes as well as successful people that just walk their pets. The key to success is that the activity is always something that is enjoyed.
The Proper Mindset
Developing a healthy mindset about exercise is important. Many people view exercise purely as a tool to burn off excess calories and justify a poor diet. But viewing exercise as a lifestyle choice, rather than a weight loss tool, protects you from developing unhealthy behaviors. Exercise offers many benefits that are independent of weight loss including improved strength, flexibility, reduction in blood pressure, and elevated mood. By adopting this mindset, you will be more apt to recognize the benefits without requiring decreases on the scale.
Make It a Habit
Just as with diet, consistency is the key to long-term success. Whatever activity you choose, commit to it and make it a habit. Incorporate it into your schedule so that it becomes part of your daily routine. Think of time spent exercise as a gift. Before long, you’ll look forward to exercising and becoming a healthier version of you!
Have fun!
Selecting an activity you enjoy fosters the motivation that will keep you on track. And choose an activity that fits your personality, whether it be running alone or taking a group class. Working out solo can be meditative and a great stress reliever. Exercising with friends is also fun and is a great way to develop a support system. Group workouts also tap into your competitive side improving motivation and performance.
Developing a healthy relationship with exercise is critical for long-term success. By thinking of exercise as self-improvement, you will be less likely to use it as an excuse for a poor diet. When you start to see and feel the benefits, your perception of exercise will change. It will transform from a chore to an essential part of your day.