The value of other types of physical activity besides Pilates

Exercise Commitment

 Staying motivated to exercise isn’t easy.  Even for veteran exercisers some days it’s easy, some days it’s not.  For a beginner, someone trying to lose weight, someone trying to get back into an exercise routine and people who exercise regularly, there isn’t much difference when it comes to exercising.  Trying to maintain discipline and motivation is just as challenging for all.  After about 6 to 12 weeks’ doldrums set in and many quit.  After that initial excitement of starting an exercise program, something happens. The enthusiasm fades.  Many haven’t experienced significant results leading to discouragement.  The combination can be very discouraging which leads to giving up.  Most people quit just when they’re on the verge of success in terms of making exercising a habit and seeing fat loss.  Some of the mistakes are:

Focusing on the scale: Choose an item of clothing that used to fit comfortably that you want to wear again but doesn’t fit as well anymore.  Use that as your “scale” and measure of accomplishment rather than numbers on a scale.

Working too hard: Everyone “knows” exercising 3 times a week is good for you.  It may be good for you, but it takes time to build up to that.  After all, you may not have been exercising at all.  Once a week is good start.

Not working hard enough: Then there are others who know they are newbies and are over cautious to the point they aren’t working hard enough to feel anything working.  Challenging yourself safely is important.

Comparing yourself to others: If others can do a particular exercise, or are loosing more weight than you, who cares.  You will eventually reach your goals.  Exercise is something that you have to enjoy and get something out of.

Giving up too soon: It took a long time for you to become completely inactive or removed from physical activity. Don’t expect to be able to embrace it within a few weeks or even a few months.  Seeing results isn’t the only measure of benefiting from exercising.  Consider better sleep, more energy, better quality of life etc.