If you are trying to stick to a regular exercise program as part of your plan to lose weight or get healthy in 2011, 
you may notice how many things get in the way of your efforts to work out. It's challenging to fit exercise into an already busy schedule of work, chauffeuring the kids to their activities, household chores and volunteer work. But becoming a regular exerciser is more a matter of how you think, rather than what's on your schedule. Shifting your mindset to think like an exerciser can increase you odds of success so that this year you will achieve your weight loss or wellness goal.
Top ten ways to think like an exerciser:
1. Make exercise a priority, not something you do only after everything else is done. If possible, work out first thing in the morning so that those unplanned distractions that come up during the day can't take priority over your workout.
2. View exercise as an essential part of a great day. Rather than think of exercise as a chore that takes away from the rest of your day, look at exercise as a way to make your day better.
3. Think of exercise as a way to have more energy and better focus throughout the day. Instead of using the excuse that you are too tired to exercise, remind yourself that exercise will get your blood pumping and boost your energy so that you can accomplish even more.
4. View exercise as a time saver, rather than something that takes away from your time. Regular exercise can actually save you time because when you are in good shape, you move faster and accomplish what needs done in less time and with less effort. Dealing with aches, pain and fatigue is can actually slow you down and be a waste of your time.
5. Come up with reasons to move more. Look for a parking spot further away from the building or find opportunities to take the stairs. One of my clients decided to always use the bathroom three floors down in her office building and used the stairs rather than the elevator to get there. Wear a pedometer to monitor how many steps you are currently taking. Before long you will catch yourself walking more so that you can see the number of steps you take daily increase.
6. View exercise as a necessity for your mental health. Exercise is a great stress reducer. It raises the level of endorphins in your body which helps you feel better and improves your outlook on life. And some forms of exercise (such as walking or running) can provide a quiet time for reflection, something that's hard to come by these days.
7. Break it down. Rather than focusing on the amount of time it will take to complete the exercise or the total distance you plan to cover, plan for the first ten minutes or the first mile you will walk. Tell yourself that after that, you can decide whether or not you will continue. On most days, you will be energized to do more.
8. Look at exercise as a means to an end - a tool for getting what you want. Remind yourself how great you will feel when you can fit into smaller size clothes. Or remember that exercise will give you more time for the things you enjoy and a way to keep up with life with fewer injuries, illnesses and other things that keep you from functioning at your best.
9. Plan ahead. Rather than waiting for the perfect time to
exercise, work with the schedule you already have. Even if
you can only find 10 minutes to walk around the block or do a few jumping jacks and push-ups, you'll burn calories and improve your health much more than if you didn't move at all.
10. Think of exercise as "me time." It's your time to sort things out, come up with new ideas, find solutions to problems or just chill out. Not allowing other things to get in the way of your exercise, will allow you to be a better parent, employee, friend or partner.
