Be fit, don’t quit: 5 tips on how to keep exercising

Motivation gets you started on exercising, but few keep going. Unfortunately, it is common for people to fall off the physical activity wagon, and an estimated 50% of people who start a new exercise program will have given it up within 6 months.

However, science has identified numerous factors that increase your chances of sticking with it.

Here are 5 tips on how to maintain your exercise routine:

1. Make a commitment to others.

Exercise with a friend, or sign up to a team or group fitness program. Being around others who exercise is proven to increase people’s motivation to continue with their own exercise plans.

2. Choose a form of exercise you feel competent doing and enjoy.

If there is a new form of exercise that interests you, but you don’t feel confident about it, find an exercise professional who can teach you.

3. Give your lifestyle a spring clean. 

Evidence suggests that healthy behaviours reinforce each other. For example, changing your diet can be a catalyst for continuing a new exercise program.

4. Set goals for your exercise.

Goals that are specific, measurable and timely can significantly increase your chances of success.

5. Be aware of barriers you face.

Acknowledge barriers for exercise such as time and energy, and proactively plan strategies for addressing these. For example, having an exercise schedule can help people with lack of time, while planning exercise earlier in the day can help if energy or weakness are barriers. – Rappler.com

Read the full article on The Conversation.

Exercise photo from Wikimedia.