List of super easy steps to start working out again when you've lost the habit, and/or have fewer and fewer clothes to wear...
It's easy to find exercise lists written by fitness experts. I made this list up myself, though, because getting started is the hard part, and "experts" usually gloss over it. I have done this or something similar in the past and it works. In fact, with the holidays looming, I will need to follow my own advice ASAP!
Day 1: Find a 10' x 10' area of clear floorspace in your home to be your workout area. (This will need to be a pet-free zone: pets are cute and very distracting.) Walk away, you're done for the day. That was SO easy!
Day 2: Put down an exercise mat or beach towel in your area, even if it's a soft, carpeted spot already. (The mat is a symbol of commitment.) Walk away, you're done!
Day 3: Sit or lie down on the mat, for 10 minutes. No activity necessary, just relax and think about what your first exercise will be tomorrow. (situps, leg lifts, etc). NO digital or electronic media allowed (they still make clocks with a big hand and a little hand...)
Day 4: Go to your mat, take a moment to relax, then do up to 10 repetitions of your chosen exercise. Stop. Sit or lie down until 10 minutes is up, and think about how easy that was, and what tomorrow's exercise will be. Don't do anymore today unless you REALLY want to, but the goal is a baby step so you have no excuse to feel burned out or stressed by a new routine.Day 5: Go to your mat, and repeat day 4's exercise. Then add a second exercise, then relax for the remainder of the 10 minutes as on Day 4.
Day 6: If you've fallen easily into the routine, it will be easy to progress from step 5 and continue on at your own speed. If you are still avoiding or procrastinating, go back to step 1, choose a different area that may work better, and begin again.
Good Luck, and be strong. ~ Remember: Baby Steps!
Excellent suggestions. I may even try it!
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