Exercise: Just Do It

There’s a reason why Nike’s ubiquitous slogan has become an everyday catchphrase. Even after all these years, the tagline still rings true for most people looking to make a change in their lives. So you want to start exercising (…eating healthier, reading more, going to bed earlier…)? The answer is simple: get up and make it happen. Well, don’t get up just yet, but as soon as you’re done reading this, just do it.

When it comes to exercise, many beginners may feel overwhelmed by the prospect. We adapt excuses such as “I’m not a runner/jogger/athlete” in order to rationalize our idleness. The truth is, anyone can be a runner or an exercise-junkie, you just have to start. And trust me, it’s the best addiction you can have. Here’s how:

Don’t go to the gym… yet
Gyms can be intimidating. The intensity. The machines. The tight spandex outfits (yikes!). If you don’t feel comfortable with your level of fitness, don’t sweat it (hehe) the best place to start is at home.

But you don’t have equipment…
Who cares? You don’t need fancy machinery to get your heart pumping. Revisit classic exercises that use your own body weight for resistance (think push ups, the plank, squats, and lunges). Combine a few of those simple exercises with half an hour of cardio (jog around your block, dance to the radio, take an extra long walk on your lunch). Don’t stress about technique just yet, just get that heart rate-- and your confidence-- up!

Don’t push yourself too hard
Exercise can be a physically and emotionally liberating experience. However, once you start to associate it with dread and pressure to perform it can start to feel like more of a burden than a release. This can lead you to skip workouts or to quit completely. There will be days when you feel like you can run for hours and days when you feel sluggish after the first step. However, if you adjust the intensity of your workouts to the way you are feeling, you will be less likely to forge a negative association with exercise and more likely to pick up your running shoes again.

Don’t push yourself too little
That being said, there will be days when you don’t want to exercise, but then you step on the treadmill and you can’t stop. I usually promise myself to at least try for five to ten minutes and if I honestly feel like I don’t want to do it anymore I will stop and have a good stretch. The point is: you don’t know until you try.

Exercise shouldn’t just be a routine
Exercise should be a valuable and positive part of your life. So it’s important not to think of it as simply a part of your daily routine or schedule. It’s easy to fall out of routine, like say, when you go on vacation or are in the middle of a life change. I’m not saying you have to do wind sprints when you’re on an all-inclusive resort, but you can find other ways to get your blood pumping (think beach volleyball, salsa dancing, or a peaceful jog along the shore). If you’re overwhelmed at work, look for simple ways to raise your heart rate around the office. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park in the farthest parking spot.

So now I challenge you all to get up and do something. Do ten jumping jacks on the spot right now if you have to. Once you see how good that makes you feel, I promise you won’t want to stop.