Alright, I’m going to be honest.
I wanted to build up my own fitness habit as much as promote the benefits of keeping the body fit and healthy.
In 10 days, I’ve managed to actually do something active for 8 of them and it’s mainly been walking – this is because my level of fitness right now is so basic I have a lot to work on! But it’s getting into the habit of doing it so I can increase my efforts as I go. And you know what, it doesn’t matter if you miss a day. As long as it’s not missing a day…and another day… and another day… and so on.
One of the best ways to get into a healthy habit is to make it easy, and make it appealing. So in order for me to make it easy, I’ve moved my treadmill into my office so that even if the weather is rubbish and I don’t want to go outside for a walk, I can still have the benefit. My treadmill shoes are also here too so no excuse!
So how can I make it appealing? If you’re walking in nature. You have the…. Well, nature. In fact today, on my 10th day, I dragged the family for a walk around Kedleston Hall in the rain because that’s dedication, right?!
But in my office, I have a whole wall to stare at.
Not very appealing, so I’ve resorted to digging out my tablet so I can at least watch something whilst I work out. It’s not the best example of mindfulness, however if it makes it more appealing for me to move, I’m going with it! Although sometimes, just having no distractions and literally only focusing on the movement can be quite therapeutic in itself. That can be another little movement incentive – just being aware of the fact I’m doing movement ON PURPOSE. Of all the things I could be choosing to do with my time, I’m doing EXERCISE.
So that’s what I’m celebrating this first 10 days, the fact that I’ve made a conscious effort to get into the habit of actually moving my body more regularly. It also happened that World Heart Day fell yesterday, and I was reminded to move regularly on top of the exercise I’m doing and it’s important I practice what I preach.
So here’s to the next 20 days… and beyond. My goal for the next 10 is to increase the impact of the movement I’m doing, rather than just walking to get into the habit actually making sure I’m raising my heart rate. Let’s go!