3 Simple Ways to Make Exercise a Habit
Why is exercise so important? For starters, daily exercise creates a healthy mind and body. It may even help you live longer. Experts have many different ways for creating habits but what works for one person will not work for all.

If you want to commit to exercising, you need to schedule it as part of your daily routine. Try to do it the same time every day. Eventually, it will become a habit—as long as you don’t give up!
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Here are some tips to get you motivated to workout and make exercise a habit.

  • Ask about exercise:  consult with your doctor about how much exercise is right for you, especially if you have health conditions. A good goal for many people is to work up to exercising 5 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. But if that's too difficult, start exercising for 10 minutes at a time, multiple times throughout your day (go for a walk during your lunch break, do housework at a brisk pace or dance while you’re listening to music).

  • What motivates you:  the better you know yourself, the easier it is to find an exercise program that fits you. Some ideas include choosing an activity you like to do that suits you, mix up your routine where possible or get an exercise buddy to help keep you motivated.

  • Make exercise a habit: whether it's checking your progress or scheduling exercise "appointments" in your calendar, focus on creating your new routine that you will want to stick to.  Some ideas include writing down the benefits/ goals you want to achieve, and keep them posted somewhere you can see them. Or track your activity by using an app on your phone, wearable fitness tracker or keeping it old school with a calendar!

Remember, exercise offers incredible benefits that can improve nearly every aspect of your health from the inside out. But setting the right kind of goal is the key to success. And making exercise a habit takes more—you need the right mindset and a smart approach. Once you build the habit of exercise, you can find thousands of ways to improve. 
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At the OLVE, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. This site offers health, fitness tips and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk. For more information please see our terms and conditions.
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