(This is Part 3 of a 3 part series on Weight Loss covering Factors of Weight Loss, Paleo Foods to Eat and Exercise, Paleo and Weight Loss. So be sure to check out the whole series.)
Starting a new way of eating and going through a complete mindset shift can feel daunting. For people who don’t also have an existing fitness routine, the idea of going through a major dietary change and adding a new exercise routine can feel impossible or difficult enough to be demotivating. But don’t worry, there’s a way to go about making changes without making yourself crazy.
First of all, it is important for you to move. Even if you don’t have an existing fitness routine, you can begin to incorporate more movement into your life without purchasing a gym membership, losing hours a day, or stressing yourself out. There are two ways to do this.
- Just simply move more. You’ve heard the advice to park your car further away when you’re going to stores, and to take extra laps around the grocery store while you’re shopping. Go on a walk with your kids or your dog, or take the long way when you walk to get the mail. There are numerous ways to add extra steps to your day without separating out time for exercise. You don’t even need a fitness tracker, either. Sure, those step-counters can be motivating for some, but they can easily become demotivating for others.
- If you’re new to exercise or you’re wanting to start a new program, then try out our PaleoFit program. It’s easy, portable, and fits any fitness level. It’s not intimidating, it’s not expensive, and you don’t have to own dozens of exercise props to complete the workouts.
However you choose to move, the fact is that even if you eat, and eat really well, without movement, your body won’t respond as well as if you were exercising and intentionally being more active. The body thrives on movement. Not only does exercise help you to lose weight, have more energy, sleep better, and feel more vibrant, it also helps your organs to function better, improves digestion, and reduces stress levels. I don’t know who couldn’t use more of these great benefits!
If it feels too overwhelming to commit to moving more every day, just try one day a week at first, and then move to two, and three, and so on. There are no right or wrong answers here, but when you push yourself outside of your status quo, you are bound to see some great results stacking up over time.
Want some different exercise options? Try yoga, Pilates, barre, Tai-chi, T-Tapp, or swimming! There are endless options, and certainly something for everyone. The best way to find the kind of movement that makes you feel good and lifts your mood is to try several things, and then run with the thing that brings you the best feelings during and after your workouts.