Ask the Experts- February 2022

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

I just love your newsletter. Finally, I have the nerve to send in a question to you. I hope that you can help me. It seems at the beginning of each year I start an exercise program and then I quit. Can you please offer me some advice which might help me? Thank you.

Carol

Dear Carol,

You are not alone. In fact, 50% of people who start an exercise program quit within 6 months.

There are a variety of factors that contribute to this including lack of motivation, time, energy levels, not having access to gyms or equipment and even not having a workout partner.

Here are a few tips which may be helpful to you for sustaining an exercise routine:

First, you must understand the benefits of exercise. Regular exercise has a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being. It reduces stress, improves your sleep quality and helps with weight control. It also reduces the risk of disease, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.

Secondly, it is important to exercise doing things that you enjoy and build physical activity into your daily routine.

Try to set achievable goals. Perhaps, even including exercise into small increments than building up to larger increments of time.

To reduce the risk of injury, you need to stretch and warm up at the start of your exercise session. And, to do this once again after your exercise session.

Encourage your friends to exercise with you.

Don’t beat yourself up if you have a setback, just move on.

February is a month when the days are short and sometimes the temperatures are frigid. And it makes it so easy for us to want to stay in, hibernate and eat more. But you must remember that every little bit of exercise will help you. And exercise doesn’t have to be an all or nothing thing. And, if you miss a day, it doesn’t mean you are doomed.

And, if necessary, you should consider seeking professional advice.