Lifelong Fitness: The Complete Guide to Exercise for Life
Published: March 17, 2024 5 mins read
Imagine waking up every morning feeling refreshed,
energized, and ready to take on the day.
You look in the mirror and see a fit, healthy, and
confident version of yourself. You go through your daily
tasks with ease, focus, and joy.
There’s one simple thing that can make all this possible:
regular exercise.
Exercise isn’t just something you do to lose weight or get in
shape. It’s something you do to improve your quality of life.
But how do you make exercise a part of your life?
How do you make it a habit that sticks?
And how do you make it fun and enjoyable?
Let’s find out.
People who exercise often usually do it because it makes them feel really good.
They have more energy during the day, sleep better at night, remember things more clearly, and feel happier and more relaxed about themselves and their lives.
In fact, exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It also has a profoundly positive impact on depression and ADHD.
Modest amounts of exercise can make a real difference, no matter your age or fitness level.
Find an exercise that suits your preferences, goals, and abilities , and experiment with different types to find what works best for you.
Running, biking, or swimming are good for your heart and lungs. They release “feel-good hormones” called endorphins and help prevent heart disease and stroke.
Lifting weights or doing body weight exercises makes your muscles and bones stronger and speeds up your metabolism. Numerous studies have found a significant correlation between muscle mass and life expectancy.
Doing yoga, pilates, tai chi, or your own stretching routine can prevent injuries and make you more flexible. Stretching also helps your blood flow and improves your posture.
Simple exercises like standing on one leg or complex ones like handstands improve your balance, agility, and brain function. They prevent injuries from falls and can be done anywhere.
The right program depends on your individual needs and goals. If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, increase flexibility, or reduce stress, there’s a workout for you.
Start with something you enjoy or are curious about.
If you like music or dancing, try a class. If you like games or challenges, try a sport or calisthenics. If you like nature or animals, try hiking, rock climbing or walking your dog.
Your body is constantly changing as you age, grow, and face different life situations.
What worked for you in the past may not work for you in the present or future. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs that indicate that you need to change your exercise routine.
Pay attention to how you feel before, during, and after each exercise session. Do you feel energized or exhausted, happy or frustrated?
Boredom: You dread doing it or skip altogether.
Plateau: You don’t get stronger, faster, or leaner.
Injury: You have trouble performing certain activities.
Fatigue: You have trouble sleeping, focusing, or recovering.
Depending on how you feel, adjust your workouts accordingly.
The third step to building a lifelong exercise habit is to make exercise as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Many people struggle with exercising regularly because they face barriers or excuses that prevent them from doing so. Things like… a lack of time, motivation, or resources.
One of the biggest reasons people stop exercising however, is due to lack of interest. So find ways to make exercise enjoyable.
If you don’t like running, don’t run. If you can’t stand going to the gym, then don’t go. The key to staying motivated and making exercise a habit is to have fun while doing it.
Mix it up. If you usually do cardio on a treadmill or a bike, try running outside or jumping rope. If you usually do strength training with weights or machines, try bodyweight exercises or kettlebells.
Get Outside. The great outdoors can be very therapeutic and add a new dimension to your routine.
Schedule exercise in advance. Make exercise a priority on your calendar. Great times include the morning, at lunchtime, or after work, depending on what works best for you.
A good sign you’re doing it right is when exercise is something you look forward to.
The journey to lifelong exercise is a marathon, not a sprint. Start slow, stay consistent, and make your plan fit your life.
Adding just modest amounts of physical activity to your weekly routine can have a profound effect on your mental and emotional health.
The most important thing is that you’re moving in some way every day. So get out there, find an activity you love, and get moving!
