You know exercise is good for you and makes you feel good. Why then can it be so challenging to get yourself to do it consistently?

You Only Regret the WorkOut You DIDN’T Do #MoveIt #NoRegrets via @Terri_Cole
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Creating a dedicated physical fitness routine is one of my top recommendations to all of my clients, regardless of why they are seeking my advice. I know that no matter what they are trying to figure out or create, a regular exercise routine can add value and clarity.

I was amazed to read the findings of a groundbreaking, twenty-five year study, “Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cognitive Function in Middle Age: The CARDIA Study” that was published in 2014 in the online version of Neurology magazine. In the study they were able to prove a correlation between long term cardio fitness health and better middle age verbal functioning, psychomotor speed (the relationship between thinking skills and physical movement), and executive functioning (the brain’s ability to organize and regulate thought processes.)

We all know that physical fitness reduces the odds of developing heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes. That it can also help you lose weight, tighten and tone your muscles and give you more strength and endurance. That exercise can make daily physical tasks like carrying the groceries and walking up the stairs easier and can also support emotional stamina when it comes to minimizing stress, anxiety and depression. It also releases feel good hormones to elevate your daily mood. Now we know for sure that the benefits of consistently moving your butt are not just for your body and emotional state but for your brain as well.

How amazing is it that getting committed now can potentially lessen your chance of cognitive decline later in life?

I know working out can be challenging if you’re just starting out or have fallen off the Soulcycle wagon. I also know that if you’re stressed out and stretched to your limit, working out might be the last thing you want to do. However, science continues to prove that physical fitness is part of the winning formula to a happier and healthier life now and later. If you don’t know where to begin; just do something. You can start by shaking your booty to music you love for one song a day. Then increase it to two and so on. Choose something you will actually do to set yourself up for success. If you have a pal who is committed to fitness, see if they will mentor you or get a fitness buddy who you can walk with for thirty minutes a day to begin. I have had a dedicated fitness routine for the past two decades and what I learned is that, no matter how compelling the 3:00 A.M. infomercial may be, if it’s not fun, I won’t do it. The more good feelings you associate with the activity the more it feels like a privilege rather than a punishment.

For those of you who do exercise, whether you’re consistent with your fitness or not, I want to hear from you in the comments below. How do you feel after working out? And what motivates you to get moving, especially on those days when you really don’t want to? Please share, connect with others and exchange tips in the comments section. I always love hearing from you.

Here’s to moving your butt this week and as always, take care of you.

Love Love Love

Terri

Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, transformation coach, and an expert at turning fear into freedom. Sign up for Terri’s weekly Tune Up Tips and follow her on Twitter.

Image courtesy of Judy van der Veldon.