THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

The importance of exercise can never be under or over estimated. Those who exercise regularly have a lot of secondary benefits in addition to a sound physically fit body: They enjoy good sleep, good appetite and a sense of well being throughout the day. Endorphins are released in the brain during exercise and these promote a sense of positiveness and happiness long after the exercise is over. This is an effective tool in fighting depression and a vital move in the direction of a relaxed life style.

While selecting the method of exercise, consider the following:

Exercise is a personal thing: you have to organize it according to availability of time, place and your attitude.
Realistic tailoring according to your needs and resources will ensure compliance.
For those with limited time and resources, the preferred forms are types of non-competitive exercises like jogging,brisk walking,weight training,cycling,swimming
Skilled sports like skiing or golf may be appealing if you have the time and resources to invest in them. Highly competitive sports like squash may add to your already stressed life style, so it is better to avoid such.
Avoid pushing yourself too much in the beginning. Start in a graded manner.
Remember that infrequent outbursts of exercise will do more harm than good. Short intervals of regular exercise are preferred.
It is a good thing to take medical advice on the most suitable type of physical activity before you set out for the first time

AVOIDING EXERCISE DROP OUT

Let us face it: When it time to wiggle out your tummy, most of us will prefer to remain on our coaches and munch potato chips than go out and work it out. Sue Browder has some advice for potent exercise dropouts:

  1. Expect to feel exhausted at times: Do not think that you will feel energetic all of a sudden after exercise. The initial period of difficulty is to be expected.
  2. Work for hidden rewards: Exercise for a better physique, never dream of the perfect one! Aim for inner rewards like more energy,less anxiety,increased concentration, better sleep,keener decision making power etc
  3. Do your own thing: never let others choose your exercise program.
  4. When you lapse, don't collapse! Remember that lapses are inevitable.experts say that lapsing is most common during third month. Forgive yourself and move on.
  5. Try daydreaming while exercising to keep your mind form getting bored from monotony
  6. Set your own pace: Don't listen to fitness fads (no pain, no gain!); set your on pace, if it hurts, stop, relax then proceed slowly.
  7. Sweat it out with your friends: it is proven that dropouts are less if the exercise program includes group activity.
  8. Try willpower boosters:
Inspire yourself with music
Think active,you will become active
Chart your progress
Keep your exercise equipment visible
Combat excuses before you make them: exercise in a place where it is easy to get to.

The Good news: As you keep on exercising it becomes easier to keep on!

 

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