Over the past few months, exercise has gone from being a dreaded chore in my life, to something I enjoy and look forward to.
The most drastic change, for me, is that I’ve been consistently exercising, rather than going in spurts of doing too much, and getting burnt out.
I’m also finding that as I get stronger and faster, the more I enjoy it. It just goes to show you that the hardest part is really, just getting started! With that in mind, here are some tips I’ve found helpful to start exercising.
10 Tips to Start Exercising, and Enjoy Fitness!
1. Get Dressed. Getting started is the hardest part, and you will never regret a workout once you’ve started. So get dressed in some workout clothes – and your upcoming workout will be on your mind!
2. Try Something New. I’ve recently started going to Zumba classes, and even though my hips certainly don’t move anything like the instructor’s, it’s a blast!
3. Go With a Friend. Setting a date to meet someone will help you stick with it. Maybe an officemate would love to go for a walk over lunch break, or a friend wants someone to try hot yoga out with! Added bonus: working out with a friend means there’s always someone to grab a coffee with afterwards! 
4. Spend a Little Cash. Whether it’s new running shoes, joining a gym or buying some workout DVD’s (I love the 30 Day Shred) the fact that you spent some money on it may motivate you to use it.
5. Set Goals. Working towards something is so much easier than just working. It might be running a 5k (try the Couch to 5k running plan!) or a half marathon. It might be walking up the steep hill beside your house without catching your breath. Maybe it’s playing baseball with your kids this summer. Choose a goal, and start working towards it!
6. Reward Yourself. You’ve worked hard – you deserve a reward! A friend of mine rewards herself with a new song on Itunes after each workout. Or maybe a massage or manicure will act as a driving force for you!
7. Schedule It. Treat your workout like any other meeting. Schedule it in your calendar – book the time for yourself!
8. Fuel Yourself. Pre and post-workout fuel is really important! You want to have some energy to burn during the workout (yes, you will also burn fat too!). I like a piece of fruit or toast with nut butter pre-workout. After the workout, in addition to lots of water, give yourself some protein – in addition to building muscle, it might even prevent soreness! I like protein smoothies after a workout.
9. Choose Activities You Find Fun. If it’s fun, you’ll want to do it more often! My husband got bored working out in a gym, so he joined a Muay Thai kickboxing gym instead – since then, three of his friends have joined too! Can’t think of something fun to do? What did you like to do as a kid? If you liked to dance, look for Zumba or Jazzercise classes. If you liked to play sports, look for an adult’s league!
10. _____________________ Tell Me Yours! What kinds of exercise do you enjoy? How do you get started?
If you liked this post, please share it on StumbleUpon or Twitter! I’d really appreciate it!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe for updates!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this post…it’s super inspirational and relevant
i really LOVE hiking…i can’t run anymore because of the repetitive stress on my knees, but hiking is a great cardio workout and allows me to enjoy being outside in nature too! i love it… 
[Reply]
I pretty much love all kinds of exercise! I relish a challenge. This is going to not really sound like much of a tip, but it is!
Suck it up! Stop making excuses. Just do it! Some days, I’ll get all dressed and ready to go, and I still don’t want to go. Then, I have to remind myself to stop making excuses and just do it!!!
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete´s last blog ..Respecting Your Body
[Reply]
Love you list of ways to stay motivated! It’s so true that we have to schedule exercise and treat it like a meeting. And your philosophy on clean eating ( and in affect—clean living) is something I wish more people shared with you! Great blog, can’t wait to read more!
Jenna @ Healthy. Happy. Well´s last blog ..Eat Carbs! Thinking is a Rigorous Exercise
[Reply]
Your list is excellent. I have experienced so many times in my life when I get burnt out from doing too much. You are so right that consistent exercise, and not too much, is the way to go.
[Reply]
Visualize the end result…how you will look and feel after this workout sesh and in the long run! Such a good post!
Morgan´s last blog ..Running Safety and a Giveaway!
[Reply]
Great post! I find that training for a goal definitely helps. I started running by doing the couch to 5k program, and now I’m training for my second half-marathon!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner´s last blog ..fun day in the bean!
[Reply]
Change it up! Don’t just stick to one form of exercise that you might get bored with. If you change it up and go for a walk one day and a bike ride another you’ll look forward to the next days activities.
Cynthia (It All Changes)´s last blog ..Lessons Learned + Goals
[Reply]
I love your friend’s fun reward after workouts. I find music to be extremely motivating (a great song can almost always get me up and over a tough hill). Your other tips are spot on, too. Thanks for a great post!
Elizabeth´s last blog ..Today: Before and After.
[Reply]
Great post, Allison! You’ve already mentioned the thing that helps me the most. I schedule time for exercise like an appointment. I’m definitely more likely to stick with it that way than if I just say “I’ll work out today.”
Katie´s last blog ..Table for…3?
[Reply]
Great post! I like to reward myself with a glass of wine or a beer
And scheduling a race always motivates me to run more!
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full´s last blog ..Foods That Fight Wrinkles
[Reply]
My two biggest tips are your #1 Get dressed and #7 Schedule it. If I have a really early workout planned I sleep in my gym clothes, I have no excuse if I am already dressed. As for scheduling, I took my half training schedule and placed it all in Google Calendar so I get a reminder email everyday.
[Reply]
Great tips! I don’t know where I would be without regular exercise. It keeps my going!
Vanessa ´s last blog ..Feed Me!
[Reply]
love the tips! I always tell my clients to pack their gym clothes the NIGHT BEFORE! that way they have all they need in their car all ready to go!!
[Reply]