How to Start Exercising This Fall

I've mostly had a sporadic commitment to exercise, but I'm about to run my second marathon!

While I grew up playing CYO sports like volleyball and basketball, I have never ever considered myself a sporty girl. I went through a brief phase of playing tennis in junior high school. I played field hockey during my freshmen and sophomore years, even though I hated our team long runs. For the majority of my life, I have had sporadic commitment to regular exercise.

The fact that I am about to run my second marathon next month is kind of exciting for me considering my relationship with exercise over the years. It is something I am very proud of.

I actually started running about five years ago during a time of personal and emotional upheaval.

Hitting the pavement every single morning before work was a way for me to deal with the crazy-making chaos in my heart and mind. There is something wonderfully powerful about exercise being a way to deal with stress and big feelings or emotions. Since then I have stuck with running.

I am by no means ready to qualify for the Boston Marathon, but I keep on running. It has helped me heal and get through a difficult period of my life.

So what’s the secret then the exercise routine you have always wanted?

The exercise routine you stick with (through thick and thin!) that is what you want to be doing it! The secret is find something you really enjoy and then keep doing that.

Sometimes I think people go about finding the perfect exercise routine in ways that leave a person feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. When you’re frustrated, you will likely not stick with something long term. Do not look around at what other people are doing and compare yourself to their standards. Just find one that you will stick with and keep doing that!

For some folks it be something more intense like CrossFit (which I someday would love to get into!) or maybe its something as easy as using an exercise app on your phone. Some people like circuit training at the gym or weights. Other people may like laps at a local indoor pool, while others may prefer a local adult sports team. It is not so much what you do for exercise, just do something!

Start small and build up from there.

Want to know how I started?

The running program Couch to 5K. I literally ran laps around my apartment complex every morning before work and a nearby neighborhood and built up from there. I still want to get faster and need to get a lot more consistent on my strength training, but I have found something that works for me.

It might take time to find that perfect fit for you when it comes to an exercise you will stick with. Here are a few idea’s you might find helpful:

1. Start slow.

If you are new to regular amounts of exercise each week, start slow and take baby steps. Maybe start and end each day for a week or two with a good brisk walk. If you jump in too quickly, you may burn out or get frustrated. Remember it takes about 21 days for a new habit to become muscle memory, so take your time.

2. Survey your options.

Often times, gyms or places like a cycle bar will have temporary deals to get you to come check out what they offer. Use this as an opportunity to be creative and maybe try forms of exercise you wouldn’t usually consider.

3. Find a friend as a workout and accountability partner.

I find it easier to drag my body out of bed early in the morning if I know I have some accountability to keep me focused. When I was new to running, one of my friends was also doing Couch to 5K with me. Every day after our runs, we would text each other to make sure the other did the workout and touch base on how we felt afterwards.

4. Pain is not bad.

Soreness and feeling tired are not bad things. You may not feel great in the moment when you’re huffing and puffing to finish a long training run, but the pain makes you stronger afterwards. I always remind myself that I may not want to do a workout in the moment, but I NEVER regret it afterwards. Yay for endorphins. Push through the pain; it is worth it in the end.

What is your exercise plan right now? Are there any ways you need to be challenged or stretch yourself? What are tips or tricks that help you stay focused and committed to an exercise routine?