56 January 2014 www.womanthismonth.com LIFESTYLE | 10 tips We can have a number of elaborate excuses to avoid exercising. However, it is never too late to make a change in your lifestyle. Follow WTM’s hints to set yourself in motion. Swing Into Action 4. Small steps Most people look at exercising as an ‘all or nothing’ commitment. If you’ve tried an exercise programme in the past and been unable to stick to it, you probably set unrealistic goals for yourself. Think of something you can do. If one hour in the gym every day is too much, set aside 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a week. Once the small amount activity becomes a habit, it is easier to progress. Social meeting Exercise can be an opportunity to get to know new people and socialise with your friends. Hang out at a running club, water aerobics session or a dance class. Collective sports like basketball or volleyball can revive the competitor inside you. If you don’t like big groups, find a friend to be your swimming or tennis partner. Adjust your aims Immediate changes are always the ones that everybody is looking for, but try to work with concreteness and with the things that you can do. Your priorities should be factors such as reducing stress, living a healthier lifestyle and improving your mood. Weight loss and increased muscle size ought to be secondary. The focal point Change the way you look at exercising. Think of physical activity as a lifestyle choice rather than a task on your to-do list. If you are not ready to commit to a programme, think that even very small movement is better than nothing. Introduce a few changes to simple choices as choosing stairs over an elevator and walking while talking on the phone. 2. Show it off Telling others about your fitness routine and achievements will help you stick to the plan. Hearing your friends’ and colleagues’ personal experiences will make you look forward to the next step and even inspire someone else to start working out. 1. 3. 5.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==