Xanulin
14th April 2004, 05:25 PM
Considerable research has been done on 'adherence' in many health related fields. I've read some, and I'm *sure* that everyone here has some of their own tips on how to 'keep it up', so to speak. Please post to this with any ideas you have or tips that have worked in the past to keep you on track.
I'll present some to start it off. Most of these ideas come from experts, and some of them will be my own random thoughts. In no particular order:
1. Do it with friends. Research keeps finding that 'friends' is nearly always the reason people continue to exercise or eat healthy. General fitness is a community thing. I find it hard to exercise when it's only me out there. One trick I have in particular, is calling my workout partner(s) well before a planned time to work-out. When they call back, it's like a kick in the butt to get out there.
2. Work towards something, set a goal. Setting weight loss goals is ok, but I find it hard to visualize this when I'm trying to get motivated. I set a race goal or a time goal, or a number-of-workouts-per-week goal. The end goal is good, but I need smaller goals to work towards in the mean-time. If you enjoy running, or walking, you can find 5k run/walks in just about *any* area. Search online, or ask around your workplace. Getting into these also goes hand-in-hand with the whole friends aspect of exercise, by introducing you to more possible people to be healthy with. 5k's in particular are pretty darn cheap and at the end it's like a party! Sometimes, they give you a T-shirt!
3. Make it more interesting. Monotony is a killer. I have to do different things just about everyday. Sometimes you don't have many options, but I guess you'll have to be creative. If I don't feel like working out indoors, then I sure as hell won't! I'll walk outside, even if I have to wear galoshes and carry an umbrella. I run new places just to explore. Riding a bike is also a darn good way to explore.
These are just random general tips. Add on any specific tips or tricks you've learned that help you get motivated to eat right and be active. This messageboard can be a mini-community in itself. It's always easier to do this stuff when you can do it with others.
I'll present some to start it off. Most of these ideas come from experts, and some of them will be my own random thoughts. In no particular order:
1. Do it with friends. Research keeps finding that 'friends' is nearly always the reason people continue to exercise or eat healthy. General fitness is a community thing. I find it hard to exercise when it's only me out there. One trick I have in particular, is calling my workout partner(s) well before a planned time to work-out. When they call back, it's like a kick in the butt to get out there.
2. Work towards something, set a goal. Setting weight loss goals is ok, but I find it hard to visualize this when I'm trying to get motivated. I set a race goal or a time goal, or a number-of-workouts-per-week goal. The end goal is good, but I need smaller goals to work towards in the mean-time. If you enjoy running, or walking, you can find 5k run/walks in just about *any* area. Search online, or ask around your workplace. Getting into these also goes hand-in-hand with the whole friends aspect of exercise, by introducing you to more possible people to be healthy with. 5k's in particular are pretty darn cheap and at the end it's like a party! Sometimes, they give you a T-shirt!
3. Make it more interesting. Monotony is a killer. I have to do different things just about everyday. Sometimes you don't have many options, but I guess you'll have to be creative. If I don't feel like working out indoors, then I sure as hell won't! I'll walk outside, even if I have to wear galoshes and carry an umbrella. I run new places just to explore. Riding a bike is also a darn good way to explore.
These are just random general tips. Add on any specific tips or tricks you've learned that help you get motivated to eat right and be active. This messageboard can be a mini-community in itself. It's always easier to do this stuff when you can do it with others.