At Blossom Bariatrics, we realize that it can be difficult to stay active. Many individuals have a hard time starting an exercise routine or continuing to exercise when they fall into a rut. To help you find the inspiration to stay active, Dr. Thomas Umbach shares three motivational tips.
Baby Steps
If you are just starting to make fitness a priority, don’t feel as though you need to do 100 push-ups right away or keep up with the fitness fanatic who lives next door. Start slowly, so you don’t feel frustrated that you have not achieved an impossible fitness goal.
For example, you can add a 10-minute walk to your everyday routine or simply take the stairs instead of the elevator to get to your office each day. Anything helps. In fact, a recent study followed formerly sedentary women who regularly walked 470 more steps each day (a walk of approximately five minutes) than they had the previous week, and they lost a quarter inch from their waistline (without changing their eating habits). If you couple a short daily walk with smaller portions of healthier food options, think about the type of results you can attain!
Have Fun and Enjoy the Scenery
If you hate the gym, don’t make that the primary place you work out. Instead, engage in active pursuits that you find fun. This can be walking the dog, going for a hike, swimming in a lake, playing with your kids in the yard or tossing a frisbee around with a friend.
Also, work out someplace where you enjoy the scenery. If you are going for a walk around the neighborhood, literally stop and smell the roses. If you are going for a hike, take a moment to look around and take in the gorgeous views. Even if you are at the gym, glance around and do some people watching. The time will fly by when you focus on what’s around you.
Reward Yourself
Set attainable fitness goals, and give yourself a reward when you achieve them. (Just don’t make food the reward.) For instance, promise yourself that you will exercise three times a week. At the end of the month, if you have achieved your goal, treat yourself to a new outfit, a massage, an outing with your friends or family, quiet time away from the children, a hot bubble bath, a funny movie — whatever is appealing to you, as long as it does not interfere with your healthy lifestyle.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Umbach to learn more about making healthier lifestyle choices, contact Blossom Bariatrics by calling (702) 463-3300 today.
