Ready to take your exercise time to the next level? The Harvard School of Public Health has shared some science-based advice on helping you stick to a plan and making sure you’re getting the most value from that workout.
1. Be Accountable
Grab an exercise partner, sign up for a class, or join a league. Whether you have teammates that are relying on you or a source of potential new friends, exercising with others can be a valuable way to help yourself stick to a commitment.
2. Keep Track
You might not realize how much (or how little) you’re moving. Buy a pedometer or a fitness tracker or keep an exercise log and pay attention to both how much you’re moving and how much of that time-in-motion is elevating your heart rate.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Train yourself to enjoy exercise by giving yourself fitness-related rewards for meeting short-term goals. Train for and run a 5k? Go ahead and buy yourself a new workout outfit, better music player, or spiffy fitness tracker.