The Blog

Sometimes to sweat healthier you have to sweat smarter, not harder.

By Amanda MacFarlane

Getting up and going to the gym to do the same routine can feel like a chore, even if you love exercising. Sometimes the hardest part of working out is getting up and going. For many of us, it can be hard to take that first step and it’s easy to think of a reason why not to go.

If you feel this way, it may not be the working out that’s holding you back, but the type of exercise you’re doing.

This Healthy Texas Week, we invite you to Sweat Healthier, by changing up your workout routine to create healthier, more fulfilling habits that put a smile on your face.  There are multiple ways that you can do this, whether that looks like trying new fitness classes at your local gym or simply making time to walk for 10 minutes three times a day, but the best change is going to be the one that addresses what is currently not working for you in your current exercise routine.

Below are five common reasons used that prevent us from taking the time to work out and some ways that you can combat them to stick with your fitness goals:

• I just don’t have the time. Multi-task! If you need to run errands, try walking between close-by stores instead of driving to get some fitness in or take your kids with you on a bike ride if you’re only free after picking up your kids from work.
• It’s such a beautiful day outside. I don’t want to be inside. Take your workout outside! If it’s a cardio day, you can take a jog on a hike and bike trail or take a walk around your neighborhood.
• I’m not seeing any progress. Take selfies! It might seem silly or awkward at first, but there’s a reason why we encourage Healthy Selfies during our annual Community Challenge, and that’s because it really helps visualize and track your progress. It’s important to remember though that change isn’t always seen from the outside, and there’s so much more to exercise than physical appearance. Look for shifts in the amount of energy you have, if your focus has improved at work, if you feel less stressed, or any other improvements that have happened since you started regularly exercising.
• There’s a really great TV show on that I don’t want to miss. Use the TVs provided by your gym and watch the show on the treadmill, exercise machine, or elliptical. Most gyms carry a cable subscription so you can have the best of both worlds and watch your TV show while you get active.
• I had a long day at work, and I just don’t feel like exercising. If you don’t feel like leaving home, try a quick workout video or do some yoga at home! A little exercise goes a long way in relieving stress and can help you sleep better to prepare you for the next day ahead.

There’s still time to commit to the healthiest week of the year! Visit healthytexasweek.com to let us know you are participating. We will be giving away awesome prizes to Texans who share their healthy activities on social media using the hashtag #HealthyTexasWeek from May 7th to May 13th.