This is Week 5 of The Wellness Year Program
Many of us are fully convinced of the benefits of regular exercise – from improving our energy level to preventing many illnesses, from decreasing stress levels to improving our balance and the function of our brains, and of course, it keeps us looking slim and well-toned.
Nevertheless, most Americans don’t do enough exercise. It remains something that people feel guilty about, and despite the growing evidence of its benefits, many of us have been doing less and less of it.
Television is a culprit for many people, as well as the computer, e-mail and the world wide web. Despite all these added conveniences in our lives, time seems shorter than ever.
Time seems to be what we need more of in order to exercise. Or is that true?
At least one study showed that people who fail to exercise regularly do not have tighter schedules than people who do find the time to exercise. The difference must be in what people do with their free time, or in how they combine the activities in their lives.
Here are some questions that can help your motivation to exercise:
(Sit down with pen and paper and answer them now!! They’re a lot easier than a dozen push ups!!)
1. What would you hope to accomplish by exercising?
(List all reasons)2. How meaningful is each reason for you?
(Take your time with this one, then pick the most meaningful reason)3. What makes it especially important that you reach this goal?
(Don’t shrug it off!! You are important! There must be good reasons you want to be healthy, fit, smart, energetic, good-looking!)4. What are some drawbacks to exercising, for you?
(List them all, even the really picky ones – this is your chance to whine)5. Would you rather honor your reasons for wanting to exercise, or your reasons to avoid it?
6. When have you been successful at exercising in the past?
(Or, when were you more active than you are now)7. What seemed to make it possible at that time?
8. How can you incorporate some of those ingredients of success into your life now?
9. How can you combine exercise with another activity that will be a treat for you?
10. How can you focus on the good feelings you get from exercise?
(Tip: you may need to slow down and tune into your feelings right after each workout)
Now, knowing the answers to the 10 questions:
What is one step you will take this week to incorporate more exercise into your life?
Will you commit to that?
Please let me know what step you have chosen! (Telling as many people as possible helps motivation…)
All the best,
Myrto
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