I cannot give enough credit to my exercise routine as part of my overall well being. I am a full time wheelchair user, and that is how I get around. I sit more than 12 hours a day which can and does take a toll on the body, including weight gain. So I can’t stress enough the importance of exercising to keep my muscles working and to avoid weight gain. Some sort of daily activity helps keep me in shape, both mentally and physically. However, I cannot deny the fact that there are days and even weeks when I struggle to keep up with the routine.
Here is what helps me get back to moving muscles again:
A short exercise routine – I know I am likely to exercise for 30 minutes a day versus 2 hours a day. A short workout routine helps me stick to the schedule even on the days when exercise is the last thing on my mind (or to do list).
Exploring – sticking to the same set of exercises can get boring, much like anything else we do over and over. To avoid this, it is good to alternate between different forms of exercises like yoga, walking, weights, cardio etc. In a wheelchair, my options are limited, but there are still enough exercises to switch and try different things.
Staying consistent – a break from workouts can be discouraging. I know after a few days off, starting the exercise routine can be challenging but very rewarding. The sluggish feeling goes away after some form of movement. That’s why I keep my exercise routine short and sweet so I stick to it and keep it consistent. Doing this really does pay off in the long term.
Easily accessible workout area – I do all my exercises at home. Several years ago, I had a yoga studio next to my workplace, and it was so convenient to finish work and go for yoga. I was able to do yoga for 5 days a week. Missing a day would bother me. However, the studio eventually closed down. I miss it! Now my exercise routine is at home. I know I will not make it to the gym after work for 5 days a week. If you can, that’s great. But if you are someone like me, you will be better off having some sort of exercise routine at home. You don’t need to invest in expensive equipment, and can look at Youtube videos for simple and effective exercises. Just spare 30 minutes a day for yourself and keep it consistent.
Ask a friend – I personally prefer to do my own exercises because I have to adapt to most of them and I don’t want to slow down my friend. However, for you it might work to ask a friend to join so that you both can benefit from motivating each other.
Observe feelings – exercising on a regular basis makes me feel lighter, stronger, and fitter (and a sore muscle, every once in a while). It also improves my posture, and my breathing pattern, therefore increasing my oxygen intake which helps me focus. You can observe your feelings both before and after your exercise routine. How do you feel after you have exercised for a few days in a row? Your answer could very well be a motivating factor to continue this routine.
I strongly believe health is wealth. As much as it sounds like a cliché, but it is a fact if you think about it. Without health, it is difficult to enjoy anything in life. So preserve it however you can. We can dedicate 30 minutes to our valuable health. If I can do it, trust me, anyone can. As an added incentive, I completed this post while sitting in Tim Hortons and enjoying a coffee and a jalapeno bagel! How ironic, right? Whatever motivates you 🙂
