How to start exercising and stick to it!

If you’re having trouble starting to exercise after surgery or getting going after a long break, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle to get up and moving, despite the best of intentions. Before we look at some quick tips to overcomes some of the things that might be holding you back if you’re not sure when to start post-op or how much exercise you should be doing over the week, see this post.

So, how can you overcome those old excuses? Well, often it’s all in the mindset! Before we get to the practical tips, spend a little time reflecting on your attitude towards exercise and…

Change your mindset.

If you have an all-or-nothing attitude, it’s time to get rid of it!. You don’t have to spend hours pounding the pavement or forcing yourself into the gym at 5am every morning to experience the physical and emotional benefits of exercise. A little movement is better than nothing. In fact, adding just 10 minutes of movement a few times a day into your weekly routine can have a profound effect on your physical, mental and emotional health and help to keep the weight off long term.

Check your expectations

Building fitness and making exercise a habit doesn’t happen overnight. Expecting too much, too soon only leads to frustration and then often guilt when you can’t stick to it. Instead of obsessing over results, focus on consistency and how you feel once you’re done with a session! The physical results will come with time.

Be kind to yourself!

Research shows that self-compassion increases the likelihood you’ll succeed at any challenge. So, instead of beating yourself up about your body, your current fitness level, or your supposed lack of willpower when you miss a day, look to what you can do next time and how far you’ve come so far.

Quick tips to get started and stick to it!

• Find something you enjoy – if you like dancing, dance; if you like swimming, swim; if you like gardening, garden! Anything that gets you moving is great, and you’ll be much more likely to stick to it if you love it.
• Pair your exercise with something more enjoyable. Save your favourite TV show for the treadmill, listen to a podcast on your walk to work, catch up with a friend while you swim or do a gym class.
• Schedule it. Put it in your calendar and protect it! Even if it’s a 15-minute walk around the block mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
• Go longer when you have more time. Make the most of the weekends or the hours when the kids are at daycare by going for a long walk or squeezing in a new class you haven’t tried yet.
• Get help. if you’re not sure where to start, haven’t done much exercise before, or are worried about your health, then ask for help! Go to your GP for a health check before you start. An Exercise Physiologist is the one to see if you’re not sure what to do or how to start. You can get a referral to see one on a GP Management Plan which can make it cheaper too.

I’d love to hear what has worked for you when it comes to exercising after your sleeve. Comment below and let us know!