How many people made a resolution to exercise more/be more fit?   My gym has seen a surge of people…

I know I did.  But I set that as a goal every year.  And I keep it.  I set my goal as 5 days a week, but truth be told, I usually exercise 7 days a week.  In a perfect world, I do spin class twice, two weights classes and elliptical 3 times a week.  This year I propose to replace an elliptical session with a Pilates reformer class.  I need to get more flexible- that’s my actual fitness goal for the year- flexibility.

But back to you guys:  How do you keep up an exercise regimen?

  1. Start slowly.  Don’t rush out and join a gym.  Look at the different fitness options available- there are so many now.  Find something you are going to enjoy doing and will look forward to.  Seriously.  Exercise should be fun- it shouldn’t be something you dread.  And exercise is anything that gets you moving.  Dance class, jumping rope, swimming, fencing, soccer…..it’s up to you!  Choose what you want!!
  2. Now this brings me to my next point- I know the following opinion goes against popular opinion, but DON’T EXERCISE WITH A BUDDY.  This is setting yourself up for failure.  First off, you may not enjoy the same exercise- so having your friend along side you will not make it any better.  Secondly, if your friend is sick, would you still go?  The motivation should not be solely based on your friend riding an exercise bike next to you, but because you want to be on that bike.  But I understand the allure of having a exercise buddy.  My suggestion is simple, find the exercise you like, and find a new friend who enjoys it.  I have gym friends.  I have friends in my exercise classes and friends I elliptical next to.  These people help keep me motivated, because we are both enjoying the same things.  So rethink who your exercise buddies are.
  3.  Start slow.  I know I began a paragraph like this already, but this is something slightly different.  When you are starting out, set your goal to be working out 45 minutes a week.  Seriously.  Say you are going to work out once.  When you do it, it will feel good.  after a few weeks, add another session.  Build up slowly.
  4. Ease up.  In January, I see all the newbies start out in a class, and they take that first class full throttle, the heaviest weights, the most reps, the highest jumps.  They are all in.  Until they’re not.  Because I rarely see these people again.  And maybe it’s cause they don’t like this sort of workout.  That’s fine.  But it’s also because they work out hard, feel like crap (cause you will- using muscles you never use isn’t pretty) and decide it’s not worth it.  So, my advice, that first class, that first session- get the lay of the land.  Figure out what’s expected.  Find your pace.  Concentrate on doing something the right way.
  5. Make sure you love what you are wearing to exercise.  I know this sounds shallow, but if you don’t like what you are wearing, you will be less motivated to work out.  Workout clothes don’t have to be expensive- but you should be comfortable and able to move about freely.

The goal of an exercise routine should be to get fit, but remember, there are all different ways to reach that goal.  Figure out your individual path.  Figure out what makes you happy, and what will keep you exercising and healthy.

I know you can do it!

These are my personal observations.  i have no degree in anything related to this- I just exercise every week and these are things that got me started.

59 thoughts on “Resolution: Exercise”

  2. Great advice! I’m working out at home and have renewed my love for boxing. It’s not pretty but there is something about hitting that bag that makes me a calmer person overall. Maybe I’ll add the yoga in just to be sure! Loved the blog!

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  3. Great advice and as for me, I have physical therapy a few times a week here at home until I’m recovered and then they will probably send me to an outside facility. After that (or maybe before with permission) I will start back to my walking. I need to walk to build up the leg muscles so I can have the next surgery-the total knee replacement. (if I don’t chicken out this year) Maybe once I get that accomplished I can start riding my bike again! Good luck to you and all your fitness goals!

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  6. Hehe! Were you reading my entry into my yoga journal! That’s my goal too… more flexibility. As I am working out at home I have set up a little-used room just for me… and I bought a few bargains in the sale to help with motivation. Who cares if it’s new kit or new tech that motivates you, as long as it works!
    I’m looking forward to the warmer weather so I can take my bike out for a spin. Too icy at the moment.
    Good luck to all of us embarking on new fitness goals.

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  10. I learned the lesson about the exercise buddy. We ended up actually making it harder to get to exercise because at least one of us usually had an excuse not to!

    Flexibility is an ongoing goal with me.

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  12. It also is dependent on your schedule and proximity to your home. And of course, the cost. If you pay, you want to use it!Some apartment complexes may have gyms. As a single lady, I have been to these but my husband just renewed my gym membership for the year as I was so sick. That was part of my Christmas present. The location is nearby with a good shopping plaza nearby and a wonderful Chinese warehouse. Great location. Also, if you are in a warm climate and enjoy walking, pick up a few weights..you can even find them at the second hand store for very little after people get tired of keeping resolutions.
    At my club, the deal is very good and if you want classes, you pay a little extra. Great deal and it fits my schedule.

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      1. Yep, I can’t agree more about proximity. I have a sister who consistently joins gyms on the other side of town (she winters in Arizona and did the same thing there). Then she rarely goes. Seven days a week is amazing — kudos to you! – Marty

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  13. I guess what I meant to say was when was single, I belonged to a health club. I have seen them come and go. Cleanliness is also important. Now I am married and I seek one which makes me feel comfortable and isn’t a meat market.

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  14. I started walking to work last spring, once I figured out I did, indeed, have the stamina to endure a 1.6 mile trudge before coffee. This year it will be the same – once the weather turns, I’ll be back on the pavement.

    I actually miss it. Not for the exercise aspect of it, nor for keeping my pant size to a respectable 12…but for the downtime. See, I stick the headphones on, turn up the iPod, and walk. No phone, no texts, no conversation…just me and my buddy iPod, walking along the streets.

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  16. As a Pilates Instructor, I am delighted you are trying out a Reformer class… flexibility will come with daily practise, but Pilates will also tackle your core strength, your lower back and hip stability, your arm strength, your leg strength… you get the picture! It’s a great all over body workout (& I make mine fun too); I hope your teacher is a good one. Great fitness post, good on you, and especially important now we’re all over 50 : ) G

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  20. Agree! I exercise solo, always have except for in college when I would run with a buddy. Looking back, I realize I needed that buddy because I wasn’t entirely enthusiastic about running, especially crack of dawn in Chicago weather. If you can find an exercise you absolutely love, though, it becomes its own end, priority, and motivation–for me, that’s KEY. It becomes part of the fabric of your life instead of a New Year’s resolution. Love the Pilates idea, will have to look into it.

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  24. Wise words! 😃 I struggle with starting to exercise… I used to be quite active and enjoyed it but I have had injuries over the years so struggle with it now. I like how you said to start slowly. I’m curious do you block out the time on your calendar during the day or go at a certain time? How did you get yourself into a routine? Thanks! 👍

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    1. Yes. I block out time on my calendar. I find that if I don’t put it in paper, it’s easy to not do it. I just tell myself it’s one hour and then I’m done. I put out my workout clothes the night before (I often go in the morning) and once you’re in Lycra leggings and a t shirt….now I actually look forward to it

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  26. Pingback: Resolution: Exercise - Elliptical benefits
  27. Pingback: Resolution: Exercise — Waking up on the Wrong Side of 50 - Elliptical benefits

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