Yeah! You got
started!
But as you know, getting started is only half the battle.
What if you don’t feel like doing your activity again the next day? And how do you stick with exercise when the kids are crabby, the weather is bad, and your staff members all have the flu?
To sustain your exercise plan, break it down into levels that you know you can handle. Then to get yourself going, use the concept of the ten-minute solution.
When exercising seems too hard, make a deal with yourself that says you only have to exercise for ten minutes, and after that, you can quit.
Sometimes, at the end of ten minutes, you’ll feel relieved it’s over and you’ll stop. But other times, you’ll realize that you feel better and you might decide to keep going longer.
Either way, you’re a success!
Never minimize the benefits of a small amount of exercise or think that you aren’t accomplishing anything
.
While ten minutes of activity certainly doesn’t give the same benefits as 20 to 30 minutes, it may be the secret to getting you started back toward a consistent exercise plan.
Today’s assignment (my answers are in blue)
1. Make a sign that says “Ten-Minute Solution.”
TEN MINUTE SOLUTION
2. Post it where you’ll see it right before you start to exercise (or decide not to exercise). Then choose an activity for today. Write it down here so you’ll have it recorded.
Walk on the treadmill at the recreation center
2. Whether it’s walking, riding a bike, swimming, or even playing croquet, do your chosen activity for ten minutes, then decide whether to stop or to continue. Either way, you’re a success! Describe this below, including how it felt to do this.
I’ve always loved this concept! There are many times when it gets me to do exercise when I wouldn’t have otherwise. Sometimes I quit after ten minutes, but lots of times, I just keep going and work out longer.
Excerpted from Day 50 in the book 100 Days of Weight Loss