If you've decided to improve your diet and lifestyle, focusing your efforts on exercise, nutrition and recovery will have the most impact on your health.
We spoke with Michael Gallant, clinical programs manager at Carilion Wellness, to find out how to develop and stick to an exercise routine that improves your overall well-being.
"Exercise will always be a crucial part of keeping your body and mind healthy," says Michael, "no matter when you choose to renew your efforts and take control of your health."
And you don't need to rearrange your schedule for it. "Making exercise part of your day is key to making it a lasting part of your life," he says.
Read on for Michaels tips on how to do just that. And be sure to check with your primary care physician before beginning any exercise program.
Commit to It
Start by committing to a regular exercise and activity schedule. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute circuit daily before you hop in the shower or an hour-long walk three evenings a week, choose a schedule that you can reasonably manage.
The important part is that you can stick with it consistently. The tools that keep you on task in other areas of your life can help:
- Set alarms on your phone
- Download wellness apps
- Add it to your online calendar as a recurring weekly event with no end date
- Mark it on your paper/wall calendar
Make It Your Own
With your goals in mind, decide what types of activity and exercise you will do on which days. If your goal is to walk two miles on the greenway three times times per week, your exercise time will look very different from someone who is training for a triathlon. Make sure your training aligns with your goals so that your exercise time is well spent.
Have a Plan B
Prepare a backup plan. As Michael says, "There will always be hiccups in the plan." If you have a backup ready, you can switch to that plan without changing your time commitment, and you won't end up skipping your workout.
The most common hiccup is weather: If you planned to walk outside and it's raining, have a couple of indoor workout options ready to choose from. If the class you planned to attend is booked or cancelled, have some exercise videos picked out on YouTube that match the class's length and intensity.
Inspired to do more to boost your wellness? Check with your primary care physician and check out these articles:
