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Being able to maintain an active lifestyle is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise and physical activity can help prevent chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, and help with weight management. However, it can be challenging to stay active, especially with busy schedules and competing demands. In this article we are going over 5 tips to help you maintain an active lifestyle:
Set specific and achievable goals
Setting specific and achievable goals is an important step to maintain an active lifestyle. When you set goals, it gives you something to work towards and a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. However, it’s important to make sure your goals are as specific and achievable as they can be, so you don’t get discouraged or give up. Try the following when setting up your goals:
- Be specific. Instead of setting a general goal such as “I want to get fit,” be specific about what you want to achieve. For example, “I want to be able to run a 5km in 8 weeks” or “I want to lose 10 pounds/kilos in 3 months.”
- Make your goals measurable. Your goals should be measurable so that you can track your progress. For example, “I want to run a 5k in 8 weeks” is measurable because you can track your running time and distance every time you practice.
- Set a deadline. Having a deadline will give you a sense of urgency and will help you stay motivated. For example, “I want to run a 5k in 8 weeks” has a clear deadline.
- Be realistic. Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically achieve. It’s important to challenge yourself, but setting unrealistic goals will only lead to frustration and disappointment.
- Start small. If you’re new to exercise or haven’t been active in a while, start with small goals and work your way up. For example, if you haven’t run in a while, start with a goal of running for 5 minutes and gradually increase the time as you get stronger.
Schedule your physical activity in your calendar
Just as you would schedule an important meeting or appointment, schedule your physical activity into your daily or weekly routine in order to help you to stay committed and make it harder to skip. This will help ensure that you can maintain an active lifestyle and make time for exercise, and make it more likely that you’ll stick to your plans. Let’s explore a few tips to help you make exercise a regular part of your daily routine:
- Make it convenient. Make it easy to fit your workout into your daily or weekly routine by keeping workout clothes and equipment readily available, and choose a workout that you can do at home or near your work/home.
- Track your progress. Keep track of your progress by noting the days you’ve exercised, how long and the type of exercise you did. This will help you stay motivated and see how far you’ve come.
- Be flexible. Be flexible with your workout schedule and adjust as needed. Sometimes, life happens and you might need to adjust your workout time or even skip a day. The most important thing to maintain an active lifestyle is to get back on track and keep moving forward.
Find activities you enjoy
Finding an activity that you genuinely enjoy is crucial in order to maintain an active lifestyle. Not everyone likes the same types of physical activity, so it’s important to find activities that you enjoy. This can be anything from dancing, cycling, hiking, swimming, or playing team sports. When you enjoy the activity, you are more likely to stick with it. Here are a few tips to help you find an activity that you will enjoy:
- Experiment. Try different types of activities and find what you like. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You might be surprised by what you enjoy.
- Focus on the benefits. If you’re having a hard time finding an activity that you enjoy, focus on the benefits of the activity. For example, if you’re not a fan of running, but you enjoy the feeling of the wind in your face, try cycling.
- Find a partner. Exercising with a friend or family member can make it more enjoyable. Find someone who has similar interests and goals, and make it a fun social activity.
- Take a class. Taking a class can be a great way to find an activity that you enjoy. Many gyms and community centers offer classes on different types of workouts, from dance to martial arts, from yoga to Pilates.
- Make it a game. Turn your workout into a game or a challenge. For example, use a fitness tracker to set a step goal or create a competition with your friends.
- Listen to music or a podcast. Listening to music or a podcast can make your workout more enjoyable. It can help to take your mind off the workout, and make the time fly by.
Mix up your routine
Mixing up your workout routine is an important step that can help you to maintain an active lifestyle and avoiding boredom. Here are a few tips to help you achieve mixing up your routine:
- Incorporate different types of exercises. Mixing different types of exercises such as strength training, cardio, and stretching can help you target different muscle groups, improve your overall fitness, and avoid hitting a plateau.
- Adjust the intensity. Mixing high-intensity exercises with low-intensity exercises can help you to challenge your body and avoid getting stuck in a rut. For example, try interval training where you alternate between high-intensity bursts of activity and low-intensity recovery periods.
- Change the location. Changing the location of your workout can add variety and make it more interesting. Try working out outdoors, in a park, on the beach or even in your living room.
- Try new activities. Mixing up your routine by trying new activities such as swimming, dancing, or martial arts can be a fun way to challenge your body and mind.
- Get a personal trainer. A personal trainer can help you to mix up your routine by creating a customized workout plan that is tailored to your fitness level and goals.
- Find a workout buddy. Having a workout buddy can also help you to mix up your routine and overall to maintain an active lifestyle. You can try new activities together, or even compete with each other to keep things interesting.
Make it social
Working out with friends or family can be a great way to stay active and make it more fun. Having a workout buddy can also help keep you accountable and motivated to stick to your exercise plans. Sign up for a team sport, join a fitness class, or schedule a regular walk or run with friends.
Remember, the key that help you to maintain an active lifestyle is to find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine. These tips can help you establish a regular exercise routine and make it an integral part of your everyday life.
Additionally, It’s important to keep in mind that consistency is key. However, having a balanced approach is essential and can easily help to maintain an active lifestyle. Too much exercise can lead to injury and burn out while too little will yield no result. It’s important to listen to your body and make adjustments when necessary.
Finally, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns or conditions.
