Get Up and Go!

Getting started is not so hard to consider when you weigh up how good regular exercise will be for you in the short and long-term. How does this sound: - more energy, maintaining a healthy weight, better sleep, positive outlook, and even a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease are some of the potential benefits.

We have chosen to independently review information available from Government and independent Associations in preparing this article.

Here are some tips and hints to get you going:

1. Combine your hobbies with exercise

Choose an exercise that ties in with your hobbies or that you enjoy doing, as you will be more inclined to exercise when you enjoy what you do. Choose a hobby that requires physical activity like bushwalking, tennis, golf, rock-climbing, swimming or scuba-diving. Don't choose an activity you don't like. For example, if you like running rather than swimming, choose to run instead. You are more likely to want to exercise by doing something you like rather than an exercise you don't like.

http://www.livelifewell.nsw.gov.au/livelifewell/beingactive/find_time.html

2. Get into incidental activity

Incidental activity is the amount of unplanned physical activity you do throughout the day e.g walking up stairs. Increase the amount of incidental activity in your day. For example, walk to work and to the local shops, take the stairs, walk the dog. You don't need as much motivation to do all these things as they fall into your normal daily routine.

http://www.livelifewell.nsw.gov.au/livelifewell/beingactive/how_much.html

3. Keep it simple

The more complicated we make exercise the less likely we are to do it. Take a walk or run at your local park, go for a swim, go window shopping — exercise will only be as complicated as you make it — so keep it simple.

http://www.beactive.com.au/tips.htm#adults

4. Set some goals

Keep an exercise journal and before you begin, write down your exercise goals and motivations. Whether it be to lead a healthy lifestyle, increase your energy or get fit, it's important to have your goals written down. This allows you to re-visit these goals when you need that extra bit of motivation. It will also allow you to track your progress and give you the motivation to see further results. Don't forget to write down all the compliments you receive on the new and improved you — it's a great boost to your confidence and will help keep you on track!

http://www.measureup.gov.au/internet/abhi/publishing.nsf/Content/Tips+for+getting+active-lp

5. Get the energy you need

Getting the motivation you need to exercise could all come down to your energy levels. Eating well can increase your energy and your motivation to exercise.

http://www.measureup.gov.au/internet/abhi/publishing.nsf/Content/Physical+activity+guidelines-lp

6. Exercise with like-minded people

It's much easier to stay motivated when you're around like-minded people who share the same exercise goals. Walking groups and gyms are a good social way of connecting with other like-minded people, plus you can share exercise tips and give each other a motivational push.

http://www.livelifewell.nsw.gov.au/livelifewell/beingactive/what_activity.html

7. Watch TV while you workout

If you choose to join a gym, most gyms and fitness centres have a cardio theatre or individual screens on their exercise machines. Why not watch your favourite show and catch up on the latest news — all while your body reaps the rewards of exercise.

8. Get informed

Read up on all the benefits of exercise and how it can improve your life. Exercise will not only help you get fit, look great and stay healthy, but has many other benefits including decreasing the risk of heart disease. The more benefits you know about, the more motivation it will give you to exercise.

http://www.healthyactive.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/Content/physical-activity

9. Great excuse to go shopping

Reward yourself with some retail therapy for achieving your exercise goals. Go shopping for new workout clothes, a new dress, haircut or a day of pampering.

This is not a sponsored article.

Link for this review

Follow this link to the Government healthyactive Website for more information and details on the source of this review.

http://www.healthyactive.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/Content/physical-activity

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual medical or professional advice. Please see your Doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health or seek professional advice as required.