My advice for staying consistent with?exercise

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Exercising is very important for our overall health and can improve brain health, weight management, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and also improve your everyday ability. Even just twenty minutes of moderate exercise a day is super beneficial for your daily life.?

I know that many of us have busy schedules and at the end of a long day it’s so much more comfortable to crash on the couch with a snack and turn on the TV. After all, why would you want to push yourself through the pain of exercise when you can enjoy the pleasures of sitting and relaxing??

Unfortunately for us couch potatoes, it really is in our best interest to get up and get moving. Whether that’s going for a walk, following a workout video, or attending a class, finding time to prioritise our physical health will be worth it in the long run. On that note, here are my tips on staying consistent with your exercise programme based on my experience.?

Enjoy exercise

First, find something that you enjoy doing. This could be running, bodybuilding, climbing, playing a sport, or even dancing. Enjoying the activity means you’re more committed and it feels less like a chore. Bonus points if it’s a class or weekly activity that you can regularly schedule. I enjoy badminton so I try to schedule a session with my friends once a week.?

Get some basics

Next up, get some basic equipment. At home, I have a set of dumbbells which are especially great for days when I’m tired and don’t want to do high-energy workouts. In these cases, it’s about quality over quantity by doing a few key exercises and focusing on having the best form. Working out at home also cuts out excuses because you don’t need to put on gym clothes, pack a bag, and go out.?

Decathlon is a great place to find budget-friendly workout equipment or you can also wait for sales at shops like Sports Direct or on Shopee. If buying equipment isn’t something you’re keen on doing yet, then look for alternatives. For example, instead of dumbbells, you could fill up some large water bottles to use as your weights.?

Schedule it

Plan ahead and schedule your workout sessions! If you know your schedule for the week that means you can plan ahead on when to get your exercise in. Look at the important tasks and events you have each day that week and find the time to squeeze in your exercise.?

Remember that exercising isn’t just for the gym. Depending on your schedule, you could also pay a visit to the park and go for a jog before meeting your friends for brunch. Or better yet, invite your friends for a morning yoga session before heading out to brunch!?

Find what’s right for you

Exercising looks different for everyone. Some enjoy working out in the mornings, others in the evening. Some need to hit the gym to feel motivated while others might prefer an outdoor setting. Some want to focus on weight management and others want to build muscles. Finding what’s right for you is a key step in keeping a sustainable exercise regime.

Set goals

Set small goals because it’s easy to compare yourself with others online and aim to look like them. This makes it hard to stay consistent when you can’t see results immediately. Instead, set smaller goals that can help you feel that sense of achievement. If you can’t do a full push-up, set this to be your goal. Focus on your abilities and where you want to be.

Make it enjoyable

Look for something to make your exercise sessions more enjoyable. If you’re into running but get bored easily, make a playlist of heart-pumping music to help you push through. For home workouts, I like to follow along with YouTube videos because there is usually some good music and guidance.?

Get going!

It’s a new year which means new opportunities! Don’t overthink it and get started today. Set small goals, build habits, and find ways to make exercise something you look forward to.

The article is written by Stephanie Goh .