How to stay consistant???

[MarciaTJ]

Hi there, I am looking for some advice on how to make exercise a more permanent part of my daily life. I have been exercising for years, but I can never make exercise an absolute daily ( or at least 5X per week), part of my life on a consistent basis. I will exercise regularly for 3 weeks, then skip two week altogether. I know there are benefits to belonging to a gym, but because I may be moving soon, joining a gym could be a financial loss, plus I truly enjoy the convenience and flexibility of working out in my nearby park, or at home. Any ideas on how to be more consistant??

[BevP]

I'm still trying to figure this one out for myself. I do try to pick the same time of day every day. And try to alternate what I do by my mood. The best I ever did, I was walking with a friend each morning (I moved which messed that up). I plan to read other responses with interest.

Having to admit to this group how you did also helps.

[food girl]

I think that joining a gym is a good idea to help stay consistent. When you are at the gym the only thing you can do is work out. When I am at home planning to walk the dogs, do the yoga tape, do some crunches, I always end up on the phone, couch, internet or doing housework. Too many distractions.

I find that I do better if I go straight to the gym from work. I feel more like getting things done when I get home and I am not as likely to snack.

Hope this helps!
Lisa

[skylarc]

I think you need to put some thought into what activities you most like to do. Joining a gym won't work if you don't go, don't like the machines, classes, etc.

A couple of things that work for me: just adding extra movement into my day -- for instance, I never take the elevator at work unless I'm carrying things or escorting visitors.

I keep my gym bag packed in my car so that if the opportunity comes up, I have no excuses.

On days when I think I'll be challenged to get "formal" exercise time, I wear a pedometer and push myself to walk as many steps as I can (goal being 10,000 steps which is approx. 2 miles).

About 8 months ago I took up inline skating -- I absolutely love it. It gets me up early on the weekends to go skate. It's fabulous aerobic exercise & it's great for your inner & outer thighs.

There is a book called LEAP (I think it stands for Lifetime Exercise Achievement Plan) that helps you figure out your activity profile -- what will keep you moving!