You Can Build a Lasting Exercise Habit in Just 30 Days
Written on
Chapter 1: The Transformative Power of Exercise
Establishing a fitness routine can significantly enhance your life. Personally, I have maintained a regular exercise regimen for seven years, and I can confidently say that it has been pivotal in developing my positive habits. From making healthier food choices to resisting instant gratification and overcoming procrastination, exercise has been the foundation of my success. It's also the reason I’ve achieved recognition as a top writer on this platform. My ability to earn a comfortable living while pursuing my creative passions stems from the fitness routine I initiated seven years ago.
This journey towards fitness is undoubtedly challenging. I attribute my discipline and accomplishments to my exercise habit. It's hard to imagine where I would be had I not embarked on that initial bike ride. However, I still find myself needing motivation at times. I am well aware of the numerous benefits of exercise; I’ve felt them time and time again. Yet, there are moments when my mind convinces me to relax and binge-watch shows instead.
The challenge lies in the energy required for exercise, while our brains often prefer conserving energy. Historically, our ancestors had to save their strength for potential dangers. Yet, in today's world, there’s no need for that instinct. You’re safe at home, and your mind may mislead you into a more sedentary lifestyle.
How to Establish a Consistent Exercise Habit
The good news is that you can create a lasting fitness habit within just 30 days. This isn’t just an exaggeration; it’s entirely feasible. To kick off this journey, you need to set ambitious yet attainable goals. These goals should push you to put in extra effort; the higher the challenge, the more it will motivate you to stay on track. As you work towards these challenging objectives, you’ll find that your consistency improves, and you’ll gain the inspiration to accomplish things you may have never thought possible.
Avoid This Common Mistake
However, it’s crucial to avoid setting unrealistic goals. For instance, attempting to run a 5K without any prior training is likely to lead to disappointment and a loss of motivation. Instead, aim for targets that are challenging but still within your reach with a little extra effort.
Reflecting on my own experience, there was a time when I struggled with push-ups. I set a goal to complete 20 half-push-ups daily. Now, I can easily do 20 full push-ups without difficulty. My current goal is to achieve 40 push-ups in a single attempt. While I know this is attainable, it will require time and strength training to reach that point. Conversely, aiming for 100 push-ups next month would be unrealistic for me, which could lead to discouragement and abandonment of my efforts.
Thus, it’s essential to establish high-level goals that are achievable through increased dedication and performance.
Start with This Simple Habit
The first step towards a healthier lifestyle is incorporating daily walking into your routine. Walking is an accessible form of cardiovascular exercise that can significantly enhance both your mental and physical well-being. Begin with a target of 30 minutes of walking each day to improve your mental health and expedite weight loss.
Walking for Longevity
Your pace during walks also plays a vital role. Research indicates that brisk walkers tend to live longer than those who walk at a slower pace. Engaging in brisk walking is associated with longer telomeres, which are linked to increased lifespan. Regular brisk walking could potentially extend your life by as much as 20 years.
Conclusion
Cultivating an exercise habit can truly transform your life. You will become healthier, more intelligent, and more confident through this single change. Exercise not only enhances the quality of your life but also increases its duration. Therefore, set ambitious goals that inspire you to work harder. Begin your exercise journey today, before it’s too late.
For more insights on health and fitness delivered directly to your inbox, subscribe here.
Read every article from Khyati Jain and thousands of other writers on Medium. Use this referral link to join Medium…