Get moving and stay moving!

“I’ll start tomorrow.” 

Does this sound familiar? We all have those days when going out for a 30-minute walk or hitting the gym seems like the most insurmountable task in the world. We’re tired, had an extra-long day with crazy deadlines, we’re lazy, hungry, PMSing… we just want to eat our feelings and park ourselves on the couch.

But here’s some encouraging news – you will never regret getting that workout in… once you actually get to it, that is. 

In fact, think of it this way: you can do anything for five minutes. 

So, start with a five-minute walk around the garden. 

Then, do five minutes of stretching. 

Keep going for another five minutes of jumping jacks or any cardio. 

It’s always hardest starting and yes, you may have to keep motivating yourself, but always try to focus on the outcome. A week from now you’ll be glad you kept going. A month from now, you’ll be thrilled at the progress. Imagine a year from now!

It’s important to remember that working out shouldn’t be a short-term fix or compromise. Much like eating a healthy diet, regular exercise is a lifetime commitment to your body and mind. 

Better health, better brain

Before we get into ways to stay motivated, here’s a pretty important science-based reason you should exercise regularly.

It’s been proven that regular exercise releases endorphins in the body, which significantly affect our overall mood and emotions (Already a great reason to work out!). But there’s more.

Medical researchers have found that exercise actually “feeds” the brain by increasing blood flow to the brain. An increase in blood flow isn’t just good – it’s vital in delivering all the essential nutrients that your brain needs to function in a healthy and productive way. Even better, regular workouts improve concentration, focus and memory, and promote the growth of new brain cells, which is a huge factor in improving cognitive function.

All amazing wins just for the price of 30 minutes of movement a day, we’d say!

Motivation at hand

Find your own reason why. You can know all the medical, health and lifestyle benefits, but it’s important to find your personal motivator for regular exercise. Maybe it’s due to a family history of chronic conditions and you want to be healthier, or it could be to lose weight and maintain a healthy body. Whatever it is, find your why and apply it every day.

If you’re constantly suffering from aches, pains and twinges here and there, exercise may be the solution. Regular movement helps keep your joints supple and flexible, and if you’re prone to more sitting than moving, knee, leg/hip and arm pains start to become commonplace.

Even just a few minutes of outdoor exercise gives your body a significant boost of Vitamin D. When you’re outdoors and exposed to sunlight, the body produces Vitamin D. We all need Vitamin D for immune support and bone development.

Remember, consistency is key and will always pay off. You’ve got this!

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.