You may have a habit of having a chocolate biscuit with your cup of tea at a certain time of day. If we could make exercise a habit we would be super fit. The key to sticking to an exercise plan is to make it an unchangeable habit because as human beings we are very good at sticking to our habits.
A common psychological trait we all share is known to experts as cognitive dissonance. What this basically means is the ability we possess to hold two contradictory thoughts at the same time. For instance, if we smoke even though we know it is bad for us we will continue to do it.
The reason people continue to smoke is because it is a habit. Those who like to light up associate it with certain times of the day or when they are doing certain things. What we all need to do is to hard-wire an exercise habit into our brains in the same way so that we can get and stay fit.
Make time for exercise
As with any habit you need to make sure your exercise is done at a set time. Whether you decide on jogging, swimming, weight training or aerobics you need to decide if you are going to do it in the morning or evening.
You also have to tell yourself that your exercise time canִ be taken over by something else. In the same way that you would not deny that biscuit with your tea you need to tell yourself that you have to move your body at that time of day.
Take it easy at first, especially if you are a bit out of shape. If you are trying to create a habit you donִ want to pull a muscle needing cold packs and rest as a remedy. You will then get out of the habit. So long as you warm up properly and create a sensible exercise plan there should be no need for first aid supplies.
Keep a record
A good way to maintain the exercise habit is to keep records. You can note down the exercise you have done each day, your weight and waist size. This will also become part of your fitness routine.
By writing it down hopefully even if it is cold outside and the rain is falling down you will still feel inspired to get a Swiss ball out and do some exercises in your living room.
As you see your body getting fitter and as you start to feel better in yourself hopefully your exercise time will be a good habit you will not want to break.