How I Got Myself to Exercise with this One Simple Trick

I knew I wanted to start exercising. More than that, I knew my body desperately needed to start moving. It didn't have to lead to a marathon or even a 5K, but I needed to start moving my body before I drifted too far off course. COVID had taken away the option of the gym I used to belong to, so I needed to find a new routine for getting my sweat on.

The Desire

Probably, like you, I had the desire. I was feeling the negative effects of too many bad dietary choices coupled with too many hours sitting at my desk or lying on the couch. The headaches had started to multiply, and I wasn't enjoying that at all. In addition, my muscles were beginning to knot up, and I intuitively knew that getting some simple exercise would begin to unwind and stretch out those tight spots. I also knew from experience that chemically I would feel better and have a more positive outlook by getting my body moving.

Okay, so why wasn't I? What was holding me back? Or better yet, what could I do to break through this inaction? I had the desire. I had the motivation. I knew the benefits and how they would positively impact my days. And yet, I wasn't doing anything about it. I couldn't get started. Are you familiar with this frustrating dilemma?

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the more I looked behind my stall tactics, the more I noticed little doubts, fears, and excuses popping up. "You've started before, and you never really commit," was the first one that showed its ugly face. "Seriously, we're doing this again? Haven't you failed enough? It's getting embarrassing," soon spoke up as well. "You know that new Netflix series comes out today. Take a moment. Relax. Just watch one episode." That one always gets me. Then again, you also have all of your legitimate reasons for putting it off. You're overwhelmed with work projects, and the deadlines are non-stop. You have to run the kids to school, sports, dance, piano lessons, the list goes on. You have a social life and a social media life. You're busy, it's true.

So, how did I finally break through and get my butt working out again?

S.T.A.R.T.

It was a simple acronym that I came up with (as far as I know) that uses the word START. The beauty is that it begins with setting an intention and then has built-in reminders to keep you on track.

S: Set a time and duration

This is a critical first step that takes it from an idea to an intention. You've had plenty of thoughts about when to work out, how you'll work out, and for how long. But deciding on a specific time and duration begins to make it a reality.

T: Tell someone else you're doing it

Accountability might seem like a nasty word, but there's no better way to keep you honest than to share the details of your plan with someone else. Just make sure that person will follow up with you, and it's someone you don't want to disappoint.

A: Add it to your calendar

Until you get into a rhythm, it's easy to forget your workout plans with everything else swirling around you. So put it into your calendar (smartphone, app, or paper calendar), and be sure to set the alarm with enough time to begin when you've planned to start. You could even add a fun alarm sound or song to motivate you.

R: Remind yourself why you're doing it

By now, you know the benefits, but those nasty voices will keep speaking up whether you like it or not. So a quick reminder of what you'll get out of it and a little assurance that you're more than worthy of taking care of yourself never hurts.

T: Take that first step (and don't quit until you're done)

Both parts of this are essential. Taking that first step gets you going and headed in the right direction. At the same time, committing not to stop until you've completed your designated time is also critical. Otherwise, it's too easy to quit early and then feel bad about yourself.

Above Everything Else

Above everything else, be sure to take care of yourself. This isn't an opportunity to let yourself off the hook but a reminder that you need to listen to your body. Start slowly. Feel the success of exercising a few days in a row. Then you can begin to push just a wee bit harder. It's a journey, not a sprint. Enjoy it and START.