3 Tricks to Get You Out the Door to Exercise

Getting out the door can be the most brutal part of trying to stick to any fitness routine. Yet, I find that if you can actually physically GET out of the door, that you will stick to the routine and you will exercise.  

So how do you open that door and get your body moving, when all you want to do is sit on the couch, eat popcorn, fold laundry or gasp - even do the dishes instead of huffing it for a run? 

1. Tell yourself it's okay if you end up walking. Yeah, I know that sounds like a cop out, but if you actually get out the door moving and start your run, 9 times out of 10 you will feel good once you get going and you will end up doing the run you so desperately need to do to either stay in shape or get in shape. And if you do end up walking and running less miles than you originally planned, you are still better off then if you had stayed inside and done nothing.

2. Tell youself it is okay if you run only 1 Mile. When I'm short on time, feeling a bit under the weather, or the actual physical outdoor weather is frigid cold or pouring rain, I make a deal with myself that it's fine if I only run 1 mile. Sometimes, I'll decide the conditions aren't so bad and/or I'll feel better than I thought and I'll end up doing my routine 3 mile run. And many days when I make this deal of only running 1 mile, I do indeed only run 1 mile. But it's better than no run at all and breathing that outdoor fresh air does wonders for my mood. I still feel accomplished and know I'm sticking to a fitness routine no matter if I run 1 mile or 5 miles. 

3. Find yourself an exercise partner Without a doubt, planning to meet a friend to go for a long walk or quick run, is the #1 way to get yourself out the door. We all feel committed to a goal when there is someone to hold you accountable to - besides yourself! Plus, it makes the exercise a social event and lots more fun. Even if you don't have a friend that exercises at your same pace, meeting at a trail or park to begin your exercise regimen gives you a reason to show up and a friend to socialize with before and after your workout. 

Now get moving! And remember, we all walked before we could run, so it's okay if decide running isn't for you - just get moving outdoors with walks or even a bike ride.