Encouraging Words | 52 Tiny Changes


52 Tiny Changes Archive Change is so huge, so big, so time-consuming. It is much easier to keep the status quo. Does it have to be that way? How about if we change just a little at a time? We are not remaking your whole life at once. If you do one tiny change a week, by the end of the year you will have a better, more vibrant life. Another positive is with small changes, you have a much better chance at keeping your new habits. For a free list of the 52 tiny changes, send an e-mail to dargis@chartermi.net with 52 changes in the subject line. Or come here each week for a new change and some steps to help you along the way. Tiny Change #6 : Start an exercise program for 15 min. a day If you want to be more energetic, lose weight, and be healthy-exercise is a must. It can also be fun too. The most important thing to do when you start an exercise program is to make it a habit. Exercise every day or 6 times a week even if it is only 15 minutes. The exercise habit is the first thing to establish. Your exercise program should include aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. Ask yourself what you liked to do when you were a kid. Did you love to bike, take walks, roller-skate, play tennis, dance, ski or swim? Take up some of your favorite childhood physical activities. For strength training all you need to pick up are a few weights. I have 5lb., 8lb. and 10 lb. weights. If you are just starting, a video is the easiest way to learn weight training. Then you can get different moves from magazines like Fitness and Self or books. Pilates is another strength training exercise program without weights. Most videos will have a stretching segment at the end. You can also gain flexiblity and strength by doing yoga. About.com has an article on setting up a complete exercise program. It also has Workout Center for various exercise routines. To stay motivated it helps to check in with a partner, group or coach. You can also log your exercise in a notebook or put stars on your calendar each time you exercise. Reward yourself with a book or a couple hours alone when you exercise for a whole week and other milestones. What will you do this week to begin your exercise program? Don't think you can do this on your own? E-coaching can help you with that. E-mail me Back to 52 Tips Archive Copyright © 2002, 2003 Beth Dargis \| Zeeland, MI \| All rights reserved.