The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
We all know that physical activity is important—not only for our physical health, but our mental health, too. Regular exercise habits can help regulate blood sugar levels, relieve stress, manage weight, help with sleep, and so much more. Yet, despite this knowledge, it can feel overwhelming starting a workout routine if you’ve never had one or if you’ve fallen off from previous good habits.
Here’s your quick start guide on how to start an exercise routine that works for you and your lifestyle:
1. Adopt a movement mindset
First and foremost, mindset is everything. Do you remember a time where you felt great after some healthy movement? Keep that feeling in mind as you start integrating more exercise into your routine.
Even visualizing yourself as someone who prioritizes movement can be the first step toward creating a successful workout routine. When you make exercise part of your identity, it’s easier to keep up with healthy movement habits.
2. Start small and don’t overthink it
Building healthy habits takes time and you don’t need to overcomplicate it. Find small ways to add more exercise into your day by parking farther away at the grocery store, taking the stairs, or stepping away from your desk to do a few jumping jacks and squats. Peruse the wealth of free guided workout videos for all levels available on YouTube; try searching for things like “10-minute beginner workout” or “beginner workout no equipment.” Exercising doesn’t have to be glamourous and can happen right where you are, right now.
Additionally, try to avoid the “all or nothing” attitude to exercise—you don’t have to be in the gym for an hour for a workout to count. Give yourself grace to start slowly and imperfectly. For instance, if you haven’t gone jogging in ten years—or ever—you’ll need to build up to it. Start by taking a daily walk around the block, and slowly add more distance and pick up your pace when it feels right. Think of fitness as a lifelong journey.
3. Find your motivation
In order to successfully make an exercise routine stick, you need to identify what motivates you and what you enjoy.
Do you love music? Make a high-energy workout playlist. Are you into dancing? Find a dance class like Zumba at your local rec center. Does biking make you feel like a kid again? Grab a friend and go for a bike ride around the park. Do you and your long-distance best friend love to have long phone conversations? Throw in your earbuds and schedule a walk and talk.
4. Have an accountability partner
Try to surround yourself with people who also value physical activity and enjoy the same modes of movement you do. Join a hiking group, take a weightlifting class at your gym, or plan a weekly walk with a friend.
If you’re not able to find a community like that, ask a friend or family member to help hold you accountable to your goals. Communicate why exercise is important to you and share how you’d like them to hold you accountable—maybe it’s weekly check-ins, or a morning text to motivate you to move your body.
Lastly, remember that everyone’s fitness journey will look different. Try not to compare yourself to others and find what works best for you. Building a sustainable exercise routine takes time, trial and error, and patience with yourself. Think of it as a long, slow marathon, not a sprint. Here’s to happy movement that will help you reach your healthy glucose goals.
Curated & reviewed by: Kristyn Milburn
MSN, NP-C, BC-ADM, CDCES
MSN, NP-C, BC-ADM, CDCES
Kristyn Milburn is a dedicated nurse practitioner and diabetes care and education specialist, holding board certification in advanced diabetes management.
