How to Make Exercise a Priority in Your Life

Let’s face it. Exercise is work. It’s not always pleasant to do, either. That’s why so many people avoid it at all costs.

If you’re trying to adopt healthier habits and want to make exercise a priority in your life, there are things you can do to make it happen. Among the easiest is to schedule time in the morning for physical activity. It can be as simple as a brisk walk around the block with your partner or pet.

Prioritizing Exercise By Making It the First Thing You Do Each Day

From there, you can build additional healthy habits that make moving your body something you want to do, not something you feel you have to do. Changing your perspective can make it much easier to get up and go without excuses. You’ll start to crave physical activity because of the way it makes you feel better mentally and physically.

Here are some of the ways to make exercise a priority in your life:

Buy yourself a fitness tracker. Get one that sends you reminders to get up and move. You can track the number of steps that you’ve taken and the number of calories that you’ve burned, too. Some provide you access to information about your heart rate and oxygen levels. Make it a point to wear your tracker all day every day for the best results.

Schedule in your exercise time on the calendar. Make sure to take advantage of the time you do have to work out. If possible, wake up early and go for a walk or run. By making it the very first thing you do each day, there won’t be any excuse not to exercise because you’re too tired or had a bad day.

Make it a habit to park further away from all entrances and exits. Give yourself the gift of walking short distances wherever you go. It gets you in the habit of getting more steps in and doesn’t interfere with your day much. Do it when you go to the grocery store, work, and even out to eat with your family or friends.

Get a pet that you can walk or volunteer at your local animal shelter. Dogs of all sizes need a lot of exercise. Adopting one or offering to walk the animals at the humane society can give you extra help that you need. If you haven’t had the opportunity to adopt a furry friend before in your lifetime, now is the time to do so.

Exercise doesn’t need to be boring to be effective. It pays to switch up your routine based on your schedule and mood. That way, you’re constantly physically active without it feeling like real work to you.

Build-in Other Healthy Habits That Complement Your Exercise Routine

Once you’ve created a routine that you look forward to doing, you’ll be able to build in other healthy habits like drinking only water. Getting yourself a refillable water bottle that you love encourages you to sip on H2O as you work out and continue to do things throughout the day. It’s yet another habit that contributes to greater health and well-being.