Exercising Would Be as Easy as Pie, If I Could Get Motivated

Most of us are aware of the health benefits of exercise. The question for most of us is not whether to exercise or not. Perhaps, the question is how to stay motivated or fit exercise into our busy schedules.

If you’re not exercising on a regular basis, it may help to ask yourself this question: Do I want to like and respect myself? Do I respect myself enough to exercise and care of my health?

If your answer is "yes," exercising is a personal necessity, and a priority you need to make time for. We can get by without exercise, but we know we would admire and like ourselves more if we were physically fit. Most, if not all, of us require stimulation from regular physical activity to function at an optimum level.

Here are other questions to ask yourself: Do you want to live a full life? Do you want to enjoy your body and your activities? Are you content to become a victim to stress?

If you want to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, exercise is a MUST! Many reasons may motivate you to exercise: decrease your risk of developing life-threatening diseases, lose weight, better appearance, more energy, develop a skill at a sport, reduce stress, improve your ability with daily tasks, meet new friends, set a good example for your children, and live healthy to enjoy life. You may want to make a list of your reasons, and stick it on your mirror or refrigerator as a reminder to yourself to exercise.

Sometimes we forget that exercising can be FUN! Choose a sport or physical activity you enjoy. Or make exercising a social activity by asking a friend or family member to join you. Vary your activities. Walk one day and on the other days, swim, bike or dance. You don’t have to be your lone cheerleader. Seeking the support of friends and family and the advice of your physician often can strengthen your motivation to exercise.

By establishing exercise as one of your priorities, you’ve already overcome the first big hurdle. Give yourself a thumbs-up. Be proud that you are taking care of your body. Your next steps are to choose an appropriate exercise program.