This article about ways to jumpstart your energy is
appealing for those interested about this topic is written by Lynn
Kennedy-Baxter, RN, MA
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Are you having difficulty getting started with exercise? Your best excuse
immediately pops into your mind to interfere with your good intentions.
Jumpstart your exercise with some ideas and strategies that will give you
energy, overcome your resistance and make it easier for you to get started.
First, call it what it is - an excuse. An excuse to pass on exercise is a
justification to avoid doing what you know is good for you. You make avoiding
exercise appear more acceptable or less unpleasant in your mind. You tell yourself
you don't have enough time and you believe yourself! Because you believe it is
a fact, you decide that it is OK not to exercise. Then you don't feel too
guilty about skipping exercise.
You know you don’t have time to exercise, but put on your exercise clothes and
shoes anyway to counteract your excuse. That will help you to stop believing
that you don't have enough time. Decide that you must find the time to
exercise. Decide to make time. Then get practical, look at your day timer or
PDA and schedule exercise as you would any other important task in your life.
While you are doing these first two steps, it is imperative for you to remember
that if you keep on doing the same thing, you will keep on getting the same
results. In this case if you keep on pushing exercise to the bottom of the
priority list, you will continue to live with a body that is sluggish,
overweight and/or has health problems.
Jumpstart your energy level with some energetic breathing, now that you are
prepared. Yes, you breathe all the time, but it is ineffective, shallow
breathing that doesn't get you much oxygen. You need more oxygen, because more
oxygen equals more energy.
Do this little exercise as you read this article. Rate your energy level right
now on a scale of zero to 10. Make a note of the number. Is it 4 or 5? Maybe 3?
If you are feeling rather energetic, you might rate yourself higher.
Now breathe deep into your belly with abdominal breathing. Pull the air way
down by expanding your abdomen. Don't lift your shoulders. Make each inhalation
equal in time to the exhalation, so you don't get dizzy. When you start, count
one thousand, two thousand, and etc. to make the inhalation equal to the
exhalation.
Breathe this way for three minutes. Time yourself so you learn how this really
works. If your diaphragm muscle is weak, this may be hard, but stick with it.
Just go slowly and do another minute.
Now, rate your energy level again. It is probably 1 to 3 points higher on the
scale than it was before you did abdominal breathing. Do this exercise any time
you want more energy and especially before you want to exercise. It sends
instant energy to your muscles where you need it. More energy translates into
more motivation to exercise, so it is easier to overcome your excuses.
Last of all - just start doing something for 5 minutes. Move. Get the exercise
juices flowing. Walk around your house. Walk up and down some stairs. Stretch
your body over an exercise ball. Grab the dog and start walking. Put some fast
music on the stereo. Dance. Jump in the car and go to the nearest park.
It feels really good. Your muscles have been crying out for some action and you
have been ignoring them. Move. It only takes a little bit to start to feel
good.
Jump start your exercise today by naming your excuse, so you immediately have
more command it. Counteract it with a specific plan. Remember that you must do
something different to get different results. Start by breathing deeply into
your belly for more energy, put on your exercise clothes and get moving.
About
The Author
Author Lynn Kennedy, RN, MA delights in helping people
find more energy and motivation to exercise.
Download a free guide at http://wwwSmartWomenExercise.com.