Exercise isn\u2019t meant to be easy \u2013 if it is, you\u2019re not doing it right. It is possible however, to make it that little bit more tolerable without sacrificing its effectiveness. Try these five simple tips to help you stick with, and maybe even enjoy your fitness routine. <\/p>\n
Start Small & Regular<\/strong> Buddy Up<\/strong> Distract Yourself<\/strong> Choose Carefully<\/strong> Variety is the Spice of Exercise<\/strong> Exercise isn\u2019t meant to be easy \u2013 if it is, you\u2019re not doing it right. It is possible however, to make it that little bit more tolerable without sacrificing its effectiveness. Try these five simple tips to help you stick with, and maybe even enjoy your fitness routine. Start Small & Regular Going from couch […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3931,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n
\nGoing from couch potato to marathon winner won\u2019t happen overnight. Rather than setting yourself an impossible goal that will dishearten and discourage you, start small instead. Don\u2019t join any gyms or buy any equipment to begin with<\/strong>, just start walking. Once a day, every day, go out for a 15 minute walk. This will help form the habit of getting out and about. After a week, break up your walk with 60 seconds of gentle jogging every few minutes. Continue in this vein and watch as your routine builds in line with your new endurance. <\/p>\n
\nTake your mind off what you\u2019re doing by enlisting an exercise buddy \u2013 someone to talk to and provide distraction from what you\u2019re doing. What\u2019s more, starting an exercise plan with a friend can give you the motivation to hit the gym when you would otherwise stay comfortably on the couch<\/strong>. While you may think nothing of forgoing your own jaunt to the gym, you won\u2019t want to let your friend down.<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s easy to spend your entire workout thinking of nothing other than how much it hurts or where else you would rather be. If you can\u2019t find a chatty friend to drag along, try other distractions such as a playlist of your favourite songs<\/strong>, watching TV while on the bike at the gym or trying a fun form of exercise (they do exist!). Sign up for a zumba, dance or other class and laugh the lazy away. <\/p>\n
\nThe backdrop to your workout can greatly affect your state of mind. Walkers and joggers should regularly shake up their route to keep it interesting and alter intensity<\/strong>. Not a fan of the great, rainy outdoors? Join a gym. Can\u2019t stand the tedious treadmill? Enrol in a fast-paced exercise class in a style you enjoy. Most classes now offer drop-in options for first timers, making it even easier to find your favourite without committing to a course. <\/p>\n
\nFocusing on the same exercise not only becomes very boring very quickly, it also reduces the effects on your body. Change up your routine by alternating cardio sessions with strength training and flexibility exercises<\/strong> for optimum results. Most fitness centres now offer classes in yoga<\/a>, Pilates<\/a> and more, so gym bunnies can alter their workout without going too far. Some even open up their classes to non-members, meaning there\u2019s no excuse not to try your hand at the latest offerings. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"