How to Make Exercise Part of Your Lifestyle

Posted By: Victoria Tropiano

Each year, the diet industry makes billions of dollars off of Americans who want quick, drastic changes in their appearance with little to no effort. Every day, there is a new weight-loss supplement or diet trend that swears it’s the answer to your dream body. Consumers certainly aspire to be healthier and look “better,” but what they are missing is the effort. Losing weight and being healthy has nothing to do with a temporary quick fix. Instead, it takes an enormous amount of effort and self-discipline that creates a permanent lifestyle change.

With a lifestyle change, you must learn to love exercise. In order to do so, you need to have the right motive. If looking good for a certain someone is your only reason to hit the gym, chances are you won't get far. You need to gain self-respect for your body and workout in order to take care of yourself.

Those of us in our 20’s take for granted the fact that we're in great shape without including exercise into our daily regimen. Our bodies are still young. The majority of us haven’t entered the phase in our lives where we begin to have an array of health issues like back, hip, or neck pain. The reality is that the older you get, the harder it becomes to try and make exercising a part of your lifestyle.

We build families, have different careers, and are no longer responsible for only ourselves. If you don’t make working out a priority now, chances are it will become much more difficult to make it a priority later in life. If you are someone that cannot stand to workout, have no fear! Every personality has a different fitness taste. That being said, I’ve put together a few different ways to exercise. One of them is bound to fit your personality type and kick-start your new, healthy lifestyle!

Running:

I always thought I hated running until I realized I was just being impatient with my body. Everyone is different, but I am not the type to wake up and run 5 miles without working up to it over a period of time. Running involves training in order to increase your distance and time. When I realized this, I began to love running. It’s a way to clear my head and push myself. It became less of a workout and more of a mental necessity.

Weights:

Just because you're a female doesn't mean you can skip out on lifting weights. If your excuse is that you’re afraid of getting bulky, stop right there! It’s important to balance both cardio and weight lifting. Building your muscle helps speed up your metabolism. A weight lifting class that Creative Director Randi Vasquez swears by is Body Pump. With the help of a class instructor guiding you on form and technique, you’re bound to be toned.

Yoga:

Everyone knows that there are endless benefits to practicing yoga. It helps with lower back pain, restless sleep, and a positive perspective on life. Yoga is a unique type of exercise that offers you a sense of calmness during your workout. Being a beginner is perfectly acceptable in any yoga class. There are individuals in each class at every level. Luckily, Chattanooga offers incredible yoga studios. Try out: Yoga Landing, Clear Spring Yoga, and North Shore Yoga. Namaste.

Jump Rope:

Don’t have any time to make a workout class or go for a long run? Jumping rope is a fantastic alternative. This cardio exercise also tones your arms at the same time. You’ll be surprised at the amount of sweat you will work up within minutes. Actually, Katy Perry swears by it. Skip yourself slim.

Have you been inspired to start working out for a healthier body and make a lifestyle change? Comment below and tell us some of your favorite ways to workout!

#lifestyle #gym #charismachatt