It's never too late to get in shape. — Colin Hawkins/Getty Images
En español | You may have heard that the hardest step in a new fitness program is the first one. But we now know the first step is the easiest — we've taken that one step dozens of times, and we bet you have, too. No, it's the 10th, 11th or 53rd step that's really tough. Stumble here, we've found, and you're even less likely to start again, because life is full of obstacles to our best intentions. Catch the flu, take a cruise or deal with a few weeks of crazy at work — and we find ourselves heading for the lattes instead of the Pilates.
Here, we offer you three simple steps to a fit life, along with easy-to-follow tips on how to get started, keep moving and make it a habit.
1. GET STARTED
Schedule a wake-up call
Use an alarm clock to wake yourself, but set your coffeemaker for the same time: The smell of coffee brewing will help motivate you to get up and get moving. What's more, coffee not only improves your mood and the chances you'll get out the door, but also makes you burn up to 15 percent more calories for three hours after exercise, and boosts endurance, too.
Be a spin master
Don't know where to start? Consider taking a spin class. The camaraderie and music can make you forget you're working out, and you can control how hard you work, allowing you to ease in, says Shannon Colavecchio, CEO of Badass Fitness in Tallahassee, Florida. Another way in: Try the "AARP 15-Minute Workout" below, followed by the "World's Best Stretch" video on page 2.
Remember when
Think of a positive memory involving exercise or an activity: a fun hike with your family, swimming at the beach on a beautiful day with friends, racquetball with your neighbor. Now, when you need that little push to get up and out, use that memory like a jolt of electricity. People who invoke positive memories exercise more frequently than those who don't, a University of New Hampshire study found.
Rock some new duds
Nothing motivates you to take up yoga or a fitness class like some new home-gym items or fitness wear. Forget the black yoga pants or sweats and get into a sleek new running top or body-flattering spandex leggings. Fun new gear can also help increase your willingness to keep training, says Hajo Adam of Houston's Rice University; he studies the effect of clothes on psychology.
Know thyself
Fitness isn't going to become a habit unless you make it easy on yourself. Part of that is knowing what works for you. "If you don't enjoy doing it, you won't continue," says Christine Whelan, a behavior-change expert affiliated with AARP's Life Reimagined program. If you need music, make a special playlist just for your workouts. Sample various gyms and pick the one where you feel the most comfortable.
Next page: Kick your workout up a notch. »
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