Are You Thinking About Becoming Active?

It’s the New Year!  Are you contemplating getting active as one of your New Year’s resolutions?  If you are a true contemplator then your list of cons outweighs your list of pros.  You have a little voice inside that says “Exercise” but another speaks up and says “Oh the couch feels so good.”  You know that you should exercise but you can’t get started.  You may have been active in the past but have slumped into inactivity.  This is called ambivalence.  You constantly weigh the pros and cons.  On the one hand, you know that you should exercise.  You have a family history of heart disease, and at the last doctor’s appointment your cholesterol was a little elevated and the doctor told you to exercise more.  But on the other hand you can’t seem to fit it into your day.  It’s too cold outside to do anything active, you lack energy and you don’t like doing exercise by yourself.

In order to get unstuck from contemplation you must ensure that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.  Here are some tips to move you to the next stage.  Write down all the pros and cons for being active.  From the list of pros select a short-term goal.  Maybe you just want to have more energy and to feel better.  Think about an activity that you enjoy and how you might include it as part of your day.  Do you have a friend who might enjoy the same activity?

You may have to take a shift in your attitude and stop thinking about the “e” word (exercise) as a sweaty and uncomfortable activity.  Think how you can fit more activity into your day by taking the stairs, walking to visit a friend, cutting down on the amount of time that you watch TV, being active with your family, or walking the dog,

Think of ways to celebrate along the way.  It is important to start slow.  When you have accomplished your goal don’t forget to reward yourself.  Pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for having accomplished your goal.  Enjoy and have fun!

1440 Minutes in a Day.  Be Active for 30.  Extend Your Life.

For more information on being winteractive call Public Health or 1-519-881-1920.

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