When you begin exercising, the most important thing is not so much the type of exercise you do, but carving out a daily time (20-30 min) to do it. Preferably it will be at the same times each week, and even better if it’s at the same time each day. It is easier to implement the habit of Dynamic Movement when you don’t have to think about what day or time it is you are going to exercise. Just like you don’t think twice about when you are going to brush your teeth in the morning. My favorite time to exercise is early morning before my boys wake up, around 6 am.
Only after you determine an exercise schedule that works for you should you implement and execute your exercise plan.
HAVING A HARD TIME?
If you struggle to begin, that’s okay. You are only human! You should not beat yourself up. Thankfully each day we can start fresh! Be patient with yourself, even if you are injured or feel sick or are having a hard time breathing during exercise, just “show up” for it. Create a habit of setting a time for exercise, even if you do very little or nothing at all.
There will be days when you will feel like you can do more, and you will. And when that time comes, you will already have the habit formed. Just set 20 min a day for yourself. And if you say you don’t have time, then there are two things you need to consider. 1. You have not made your health and well-being a priority. Remember, you can’t help others without helping yourself first. Just remember the oxygen mask analogy. And 2. There are 1440 minutes in a day. Are you sure you use them wisely, and you can’t spare just 20 of them? 😉
WANT MORE?
For those of you that are highly motivated and feel like you want more, I have a bit of advice to share. Slow and steady wins the race.
In my second Ironman, at about mile 100 in the bike stretch, I watched a young athletic man, with a body like the statue of David, “drop dead” while going uphill. As I got closer, I asked if he was okay. He motioned me with his hand to keep moving, saying he is okay but done with the race.
Just by looking at the lineup of Ironman contestants, it’s hard to predict who will finish the grueling race. You would probably be surprised at some of the body types and ages that finish the race.
Mental preparation is underestimated in the fitness industry. That’s why I think it’s necessary to train our minds, just as we train our bodies. I believe what helped me finish my race is my MENTAL STRENGTH, and the CONSISTENCY of my workout schedule.
Consistency is the key to successful preparation, not adding more workouts, or extending time intervals.
For now just make sure you exercise every day at roughly the same time for 20-30 min, alternating cardio and HIIT&RUN.
Let me know if you have any questions please! I love hearing your stories of success and struggle, so share them with us!