Set the Intention to Exercise in 3 Gentle Steps

1/13/2019

This article will explore the goal of exercising more by setting the intention to practice more movement in our every day lives in 3 gentle steps. You can also apply this method of creating small, actionable steps with any other goal you have decided on, as well. #exercise #fitness #goals

|This time of year, the word resolution is used a lot.. and it makes sense! A new year offers a fresh start and the perfect time to create your goals list and work towards a particular accomplishment. For many, the resolution of being healthier and exercising more is overwhelmingly a common new years resolution.

Yet statistically, many new years resolutions fizzle over time, and that strong sense of urgency felt at the beginning of the year begins to wane. Perhaps life or other priorities get in the way, or maybe we just become lazy or less enthusiastic over time. Regardless of the reason, the desire to become healthier or exercise more remains, even if we're not running full throttle on a treadmill.

Rather than creating this one-time resolution for ourselves, why not instead build small, achievable habits within our lives? Setting the intention to practice bite-sized habits can be a much better way to maintain momentum and reach our larger goals over time.

This article will explore the goal of exercising more by setting the intention to practice more movement in our every day lives in 3 gentle steps. You can also apply this method of creating small, actionable steps with any other goal you have decided on, as well.

Let's get started!

Please note: The information contained in this article is not medical advice and if you are concerned about your health, please seek professional support from a doctor or hospital. This is a sponsored post.

Set the Intention to Exercise in 3 Gentle Steps

Step 1 | Create a realistic exercise schedule.

Sure, we all want to have toned abs and arms a month into setting the intention to get in shape. But sit down and think about what is realistic for your life. Are you working full-time? Have kids or other responsibilities to take care of? If so, setting the intention to work out 7 days a week may not be realistic.. and that's okay!

Instead, start out with 2 or 3 days per week with 20 minute intervals. Any exercise will do - it doesn't have to be a sweaty gym workout - even a walk around the neighbourhood counts! This is more about setting the intention and creating an ongoing healthy habit more than results right now.

Now that you have your realistic exercise schedule, write it down. If you miss a scheduled exercise, don't beat yourself up. Make up for it with a chore workout (vacuuming can burn a lot of calories) or ask a coworker or your partner to go for a walk or job later on.

Step 2 | Reward yourself.

I know what you're thinking.. we just got started, how can you already get rewards?!

We can be super harsh on ourselves in a lot of areas of our life.. we can to do better at work to get to that next promotion, be a better friend or partner, be a super parent.. the list goes on and on. We inherently have a lot of expectations on ourselves, but most of the time don't give ourselves credit or stop to enjoy our accomplishments.

So let's set the intention to reward ourselves along the way as we set intention to exercise. A reward can be as big or small as you like. And you can even consider how a reward could work in with the whole 'getting healthy' goal you have for yourself.

Here are some ideas to help you out, but make sure to tailor your reward to you:

take a relaxing bubble bath
grab a fruit or veggie smoothie
buy a new workout outfit or running shoes
have a relaxation massage or spa treatment

Check out: 5 Ways to Build Self-Compassion into Your Every Day Life

Step 3 | Discover the right exercise(s) for you.

Remember that time when your friend invited you to go to hot yoga with you last year and the entire class you felt like you were choking on hot air and couldn't drink enough water? I bet you didn't go back to that class after that experience!

There's nothing wrong with hot yoga.. some people absolutely love it! But if it's not an exercise you enjoy, chances are you probably won't continue to go, and this can lessen your chances of maintaining the exercise habit you have set for yourself.

So figure out what kind of exercise you do enjoy. Personally, I love walking, hiking, jogging.. anything I can do with my feet and the outdoors. I could walk for hours and just enjoy the scenery and get in a pretty good work out, too. I also love pilates and yoga as I find it works out my entire body with having to use any equipment at all.

Many people also find the gym to be helpful as there is a community of other people setting the same intention of getting fit. Or you might want to join an exercise class, water aerobics, or even join a local sports club!

If you have space in your home for your own equipment, it can also be an idea to set up your own little exercise studio for you to start your exercise habits.

Check out these moves.. exercise goals?

An inflatable air track is commonly seen in gyms helps ease reduces the impact of floor exercises and possibility of getting hurt or seriously injured. A tumble air track is often used in schools, or professional training settings such as at camp or in the gym, but is also a great addition to a home gym.

VISIT THE WHOLESALE AIR TRACK WEBSITE

I hope you enjoyed this article and feel ready to set your own intentions to reach the goal you have set for yourself this year!

Other health & wellness articles to check out:

Please note: The information contained in this article is not medical advice and if you are concerned about your health, please seek professional support from a doctor or hospital. This is a sponsored post and may contain affiliate links that I am compensated for at no extra cost to you. Want to start your own blog? Click here to get started.

12 Comments

Molina link

1/14/2019 06:33:51 am

I love this! this is a great way of encouraging people who are completely new to exercise! A lot of the advertising for gyms etc around this time can be really intimidating, so just to get people to channel an intention is a great idea as they could do anything

Heather LeGuilloux link

1/30/2019 05:18:40 pm

Exactly! Gyms are a great resource to get fit but there are so many other ways to get active, even just setting the intention to take a walk is a step (literally) in the right direction!

kaitertott link

1/14/2019 11:36:48 am

I love this! I always find that the days I really don't feel like exercise are the days I end up needing it the most!

1/30/2019 05:19:35 pm

Yes! On those days, I like to try to stretch or do a bit of yoga.. it's low-impact but it can make such a different in how I'm feeling overall in my mind and body.

Hannah

1/14/2019 01:22:56 pm

I like how it’s smaller achievable goals rather than huge accomplishments to maintain a health goal

1/30/2019 05:20:56 pm

I'm glad to hear that thinking about small, achievable goals could work for you to maintain your health and wellness goals, Hannah!

Nicole link

1/14/2019 01:27:42 pm

This is a great idea to help make exercise an easy thing you just slowly add to your routine. I love the rewards idea, especially the new exercise clother!

1/30/2019 05:21:45 pm

It can be important to reward yourself along the way, especially when you're on track with your action steps.

Sara | mshealthesteem.com link

1/14/2019 04:53:26 pm

I think exercise is one of those things we all struggle with from time to time (especially in the winter... when the outside air hurts your face 😅. I go out for far fewer walks, that's for sure!)

But it's still totally possible to create a fun, fulfilling workout routine. And your advice is truly marvelous! Number 3 is my favourite point! When we find the right exercise for us and make it fun it's so much more sustainable :). Thanks for sharing!

1/30/2019 05:24:16 pm

Eek it must be a lot more difficult to exercise when the weather is just not cooperating! Hopefully there are some ways you have found that can help you stay active indoors, too. :)