Are you wanting to make a positive change in your life that will benefit your mental and physical wellbeing? Taking regular exercise can be a daunting task, so let’s break it down into fifty simple steps towards a more active lifestyle. Follow these steps and you will notice the difference; from how you look to how you feel!
1. Get Moving: 50 Proven Steps To A More Active Lifestyle
1. Change Your Mindset
The power of self-belief should never be underestimated. Believe that an active and healthy lifestyle is within your reach and you can make it a reality. Change your internal dialogue by banishing the word ‘can’t’ and replace it with ‘can’.
2. Begin Small
Start small and keep your initial goals manageable. Even small changes can add up over time, and small wins are important for maintaining motivation. Take a 5-minute walk, do some stretches, or take a yoga break in your living room: it all counts!
3. Visualize Success
Picture yourself in a healthy and active lifestyle, and hold that image in your mind every day. Visualize yourself painting, playing a team sport, running a race or whatever activity you love.
4. Get Creative
Liven up your workouts by mixing things up. Choose activities you enjoy and discover some new ones!
- Try something new and challenge yourself, like kayaking, rock-climbing, bowling or surfing.
- Take up a dance class or join a running group.
- Invite someone to join you for a hike or a bike ride.
- Look for fun and active activities happening around town.
The options are endless; once you set your mind to it you will find a way to live a more active lifestyle!
2. Making Exercise a Daily Habit – It Can Be Easier Than You Think!
It can be hard to keep up with daily exercise. Life is busy, and it often seems that there’s not enough time to squeeze in a workout. But there are some simple strategies and tips for creating a regular exercise routine.
- Set a realistic goal. Don’t overwhelm your motivation and energy by setting a goal that is too grand. Start small and build up gradually. Even 10 minutes of exercise a day can benefit your mind and body.
- Make time for exercise. To make exercise a daily habit, schedule time to make it a priority. Pick a time that doesn’t conflict with other commitments or activities, and set a reminder on your calendar. Having a specific time set aside can make it easier to stick with a routine.
To stay motivated and on track, it helps to have fun and mix things up. Try making a pact with a workout buddy who is also trying to make exercise a habit. You can support each other to get moving and exercise together when possible.
Although it can take some determination and hard work, making exercise a daily habit doesn’t have to be daunting or overwhelming. It can be an enjoyable part of your life and provide you with feeling of wellbeing.
3. Identifying Your Exercise Goals – Be SMART
When you have finally settled on a specific type of exercise, the next step is to set clear and achievable goals. It is important to remember that any goals you set must be S.M.A.R.T. which stands for:
- Specific: Your goals must be specific. Rather than just wanting to be “fit”, focus on exactly what you want to achieve – whether that’s running 5 miles in a certain time, being able to do 50 push ups or mastering a specific dance technique.
- Measurable: Identify a measurable outcome that will signal that you have achieved your goal. This could be a number, such as doing 10 pull ups, the time you can do a mile in or the number of songs you can dance through in a routine.
- Achievable: Make sure your goals are attainable. It is important to remain realistic when setting goals to ensure you don’t become frustrated or demotivated when it comes to achieving them.
- Relevant: Check that the goals you have set align with your overall exercise plans. Ask yourself if working towards this goal will help you to feeling fitter, healthier or improve your performance.
- Time-Limiting: Set a timeline for when you plan to achieve your goal. Giving yourself a deadline to work towards will help you stay motivated and work hard to reach your aim within the time frame.
Make sure you track your progression as you work towards your goal. Note down any personal bests or achievements you have along the way so you can visually track your journey and be proud of all that you have achieved!
With SMART goals in place you can tailor your exercise regime and work in manageable chunks towards achieving what you set out to do.
4. Preparing for Your First Workout – What You Should Know
You’ve finally taken the plunge and decided to get your body into shape by joining a gym or starting a home workout routine. That’s fantastic, but before you start patting yourself on the back, there are a few things you should know before your first workout.
Set realistic goals: Don’t set yourself up for disappointment right off the bat. Set goals that are achievable and don’t expect to reach them in a day or two. It takes work and determination, and is something that will be achieved over time as you work towards building strength and endurance.
Make sure you’re properly equipped: Prior to your first workout, make sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable while exercising. This includes shoes, clothes, and any supplements you may need to stay energized. Also, if you plan to lift weights or use gym machines, invest in a pair of gloves to protect your hands.
Develop a workout plan: If you’re going to the gym, develop a workout plan to maximize your time and keep you on track. Make sure you know which machines you’ll be using, and in what order. Start with the basics like squats and bench press, and make sure to mix up your routine by incorporating different muscle groups with each workout.
Proper form is key: When performing any exercise, whether on a machine or free weights, it’s important to pay attention to proper form. If you find yourself straining your body too much, stop and reassess, and use lighter weights if necessary. Don’t forget to warm up with some light cardio before jumping straight into exercises.
5. Taking Those First Steps – Start Seeing Results Now!
Now that you know the basics of reaching any goal, it’s time for you to take those first steps. When you take the necessary actions, you will be able to start seeing results.
Act On Your Goals
The most important step is to keep moving forward and take action on your goals. Taking action every day helps to not only move you closer to your goals, but also allows you to stay motivated and prevent stagnation.
Make Adjustments
Along the way, don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your plan or goals. It is common to come across unexpected hurdles and need to make adjustments in order to continue to make progress. Don’t be discouraged by these, it is all part of the journey.
Use Resources
Use any and all resources available to you to help you reach your goals. Encouragement from family and friends can help, creating a study group can help with studying, and a coach can help with fitness.
- Set a course of action
- Work on it everyday
- Be flexible
- Find and use applicable resources
With the right steps, you can easily start to reach your goals and start seeing results. Start taking those small steps now and watch your way to success unfold. All it takes is the right effort and dedication to get there.
It’s never too late to start living a more active lifestyle, no matter how daunting the prospect may seem. With a bit of effort and dedication, you too can take advantage of the immense health and mental benefits of regular exercise. So why not get started today and join the 50-step journey towards a more active lifestyle?
