9 Steps to Get & Stay Active
Steps to Get & Stay Active
If you’ve ever tried to build a consistent movement routine but found yourself starting strong only to fall off track, you’re not alone. So many of us humans—especially in midlife—feel stuck in this cycle of “on again, off again” when it comes to exercise. It’s not a lack of desire or even discipline—it’s often a matter of approach.
The good news? This pattern is changeable.
With the right mindset shifts and simple, sustainable strategies, you can create a new story—one where movement becomes a natural, supportive part of your life and how you age instead of another task you struggle to maintain. Thru small daily steps, you’ll build movement into a superpower lifestyle habit! These 9 steps are designed to help you do exactly that: build momentum, stay consistent, and finally feel at home in a routine that works with your life, not against it.
1. Find Your Why
Answer the question: Why is it important for me to build an exercise habit? How will becoming active improve my life? When you know your Why, you’ll struggle less and achieve more. (Hear from two client friends who built habits of exercise and turned their health around: Jean—137 lbs lighter for 4 years now and Mary Ellen—50 lbs lighter both found their Why and it changed everything.)
2. Know Thyself
Determine what kind of exercise you like: Walking? Swimming? Cycling? Do you want to start weight training? Select something you enjoy! (Or at least will tolerate.) Often what we enjoyed as kids is a good place to start. Walking is an easy place for most to start as well.
3. Determine the Location
Figure out where you’ll exercise. Do you want to join a gym? Is there a park nearby? Is there a recreation center with a pool available? Your living room?
4. Set the Time
Decide what time of day is best for you to commit to exercise – are you a morning person, waking up with lots of energy? Or does your energy come later in the day? Make sure the time fits into your lifestyle
Note: Major studies have found that morning exercisers are by far the most consistent!
5. Make a Plan
Select one or two days in the coming week to dedicate to movement. Schedule the time into your daily plan, just as you would schedule a doctor appointment. (After all, exercise is excellent medicine for health.)
6. Gather Your Gear
Make sure it’s comfortable and good-looking. (You’ll feel better if you look good – doesn’t need to be expensive, just flattering.)
7. Get Tuned-up
Research shows music/podcast enhances exercise. It boosts energy and provides distraction. Whether ear buds or some other method, when you move to music you like, you’ll likely keep going and enjoy it more.
8. Celebrate Every Effort
A star on your calendar, a coin in a jar; anything that you can see add up over time ~ a tangible reminder of your commitment and effort. When we reinforce in this way, we are rewiring our brains for repetition.
9. Build It
After a few weeks, add a third day of exercise. Then commit to a one-month plan. After that first month, commit to a second month, adding a fourth day of exercise mid-way through the month. Within 4-6 weeks, you’ll see and feel the benefits of your efforts and things will start getting easier. Continue to lift yourself to new levels of fitness. Consider hiring a personal fitness trainer if you need help with that.
It’s vital to start small and focus on building a daily habit of movement even if it’s five minutes.
Finally, remind yourself daily why you want to exercise, why your health is important to you. Is your health important to those you love? Will it contribute to living a more fulfilling and active life? Write it down and review it regularly.
To your good health and joy,
Certified Whole Health Coach
Certified Behavior Change Specialist
Certified Personal Fitness Trainer
720-793-041
P.S. You don’t have to exercise like an Olympian in training to ensure healthier aging—it just needs to be doable. With a WhyPowered Health Coaching partnership, you’ll make small, consistent steps for big and lasting results in your daily energy and long term health.
