The 6 Most Effective Ways to Make Exercise a Habit

Oftentimes, people get set into their own routines - time for exercise earns a spot in some schedules while others lack its presence. Fortunately, here are six healthy habits that can encourage and promote an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits.

Oftentimes, people get set into their own routines - time for exercise earns a spot in some schedules while others lack its presence. Fortunately, there is no wrong time to embrace that "fit" lifestyle. Even more fortunately, there are six healthy habits that can encourage and promote an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits.

6 Healthy Exercise Habits and How to Eat Healthy

1. Break Old Habits

Before new habits can form, old habits need to be remolded or extinguished. If waking up to a doughnut is the norm, try replacing the sugar-dense breakfast item with something a little bit more substantial. Even reaching for a glass of milk is a small change that provides healthful nutrients along with natural sugar and protein. Instead of moving to the couch with a cup of coffee, go to the gym or simply walk the dog around the neighborhood.

2. Set a Schedule

To fully commit to exercise, designate times for workouts. Staying consistent is one of the best ways to form a habit. Lay out gym clothes the night before and quit hitting the snooze button by placing your alarm away from the bed. Since you will need to get out of bed to turn it off, you might as well stay up! A morning workout can energize you for the rest of the day. If absolutely not a morning person, set a time that best fits into your schedule.

3. Build a Support System

Research has shown social support helps individuals sustain and progress health goals. A strong unit can keep you accountable and motivated to keep up with workouts and diet modifications. Continue to be a strong support link by remaining positive and encouraging to others.

4. Go Small

Individuals oftentimes want those big rewards quickly. However, rewards come in all size packages and sometimes the most meaningful gifts come in the smallest boxes. Conquering any small goal can feel like a huge win, it is what you make of it. Walked for 20 minutes on your lunch break? Great! Road your bike to work? That's great, too! Small, yet continuous movement can better help fuel the momentum of an active lifestyle.

5. Seek Challenges

Signing up for a half-marathon when you have never enjoyed running is far fetched and irrational. However, community challenges can be extremely motivating once accomplished. Charity walks and runs are ways to benefit not only your body, but local or national foundations. Once you have completed your first challenge, you are more than likely eager to seek a new one.

6. Be Mindful

Although calories are important in weight loss, being too critical of calories may overtake the importance of hunger cues. The body generally does a good job on letting you know when it feels deprived. In feelings and bouts of hunger, feed the body with foods rich in nutrients. While eating, pay attention to when the body feels satisfied. Practice mindful eating exercises by chewing foods thoroughly and appreciating the tastes and smells of food.

1. Prev:How Much Exercise to Lose Weight
2. Next:How to Bust Through a Fitness Plateau