Starting a hypertension exercise program can be difficult and not just because it can involve going to the dreaded gym.
Finding the right kind of motivation can prove to be more of a challenge than the exercising itself (and this is why so many people fail before they ever start!).
You can't go through this process with a defeatist attitude.
A successful exercise program requires positive thinking and realistic goals.
To make this happen--since everyone needs a little help when beginning--we offer these ten hints: One: get your doctor involved.
Before beginning any kind of hypertension exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.
Let him or her explain what is best for your situation--what your body needs, what it can handle, etc.
This will make constructing an exercise plan easier since you will know what targets you should be aiming for.
Two: find yourself some help.
The best way to stay motivated is to have someone to remind you that you are not alone.
Whether you have a friend exercise with you or just have a family member to cheer you on, this is the best way to keep yourself from feeling defeated.
They will help keep you focused and make exercising seem less like a chore and more like just spending time with someone you love.
Three: remember that results take time.
Too many people assume that, after that fast initial weight loss, all results will continue at the same pace.
You may lose five to ten pounds quickly but your body will then adapt to the changes.
Do not become discouraged because of this; it's natural.
A lifestyle change is not a quick process and you shouldn't be put off when results take time.
Four: find exercises you can enjoy.
We do not all have to sign up for aerobics classes.
Some may prefer swimming, biking, hiking, etc.
Find things you can look forward to doing and this will get rid of the whole "I'm exercising" mindset.
It doesn't even have to be 'traditional' exercise, a regular dance class will prove just as beneficial.
This will make motivation a much easier thing.
If you can enjoy what you're doing, then you certainly won't mind doing it.
Five: build a routine.
You should not do a hypertension exercise program sporadically.
The point is to develop a consistent schedule and actually follow it.
Do not make excuses; just do as you need to.
Your routine should reflect your health concerns and target the areas your doctor has suggested.
Six: keep a journal of your progress.
If you are looking for ways to chart your successes (what works, what doesn't, how much weight has been lost, how your blood pressure is doing, etc.
), then keep a journal.
This can serve as tangible proof that your new lifestyle is working and keep you motivated.
Seven: make other lifestyle changes.
Just exercising is not enough; you need to change your diet as well.
Consult with your doctor over which foods would best help lower your blood pressure and incorporate them.
You do not have to deprive yourself of all of your favorite foods, just learn moderation and good eating sense.
Eight: create a schedule that works.
You have to make your hypertension exercise work for you; this means developing a schedule that is tailored to your particular lifestyle.
Know when you will have the most time to exercise and when it will be impossible.
This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and like the program is taking from your life, rather than adding to it.
Nine: remember why you are doing this.
Yes, it may be difficult and, yes, it can seem tedious.
But you have to remember that this program is for your health, to ensure that you lower your blood pressure and get yourself in shape.
Keep that in mind when you feel like taking time off from the plan.
Ten: understand the value of reward.
This does not mean that you should gorge yourself on fatty foods or consume alcohol for celebrating.
You should, though, set up small rewards as a way to boost motivation.
Whenever you reach a goal, treat yourself to an activity you love.
This will just make the event easier to handle if you have something worthwhile waiting at the end of it.
With these steps, you can create a hypertension exercise strategy and stay motivated throughout it.
With your doctor's help, this will be much a easier and effective effort.
Just make sure to mention any pre-existing conditions that you may have, such as diabetes, which may also impact your hypertension.
Finding the right kind of motivation can prove to be more of a challenge than the exercising itself (and this is why so many people fail before they ever start!).
You can't go through this process with a defeatist attitude.
A successful exercise program requires positive thinking and realistic goals.
To make this happen--since everyone needs a little help when beginning--we offer these ten hints: One: get your doctor involved.
Before beginning any kind of hypertension exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.
Let him or her explain what is best for your situation--what your body needs, what it can handle, etc.
This will make constructing an exercise plan easier since you will know what targets you should be aiming for.
Two: find yourself some help.
The best way to stay motivated is to have someone to remind you that you are not alone.
Whether you have a friend exercise with you or just have a family member to cheer you on, this is the best way to keep yourself from feeling defeated.
They will help keep you focused and make exercising seem less like a chore and more like just spending time with someone you love.
Three: remember that results take time.
Too many people assume that, after that fast initial weight loss, all results will continue at the same pace.
You may lose five to ten pounds quickly but your body will then adapt to the changes.
Do not become discouraged because of this; it's natural.
A lifestyle change is not a quick process and you shouldn't be put off when results take time.
Four: find exercises you can enjoy.
We do not all have to sign up for aerobics classes.
Some may prefer swimming, biking, hiking, etc.
Find things you can look forward to doing and this will get rid of the whole "I'm exercising" mindset.
It doesn't even have to be 'traditional' exercise, a regular dance class will prove just as beneficial.
This will make motivation a much easier thing.
If you can enjoy what you're doing, then you certainly won't mind doing it.
Five: build a routine.
You should not do a hypertension exercise program sporadically.
The point is to develop a consistent schedule and actually follow it.
Do not make excuses; just do as you need to.
Your routine should reflect your health concerns and target the areas your doctor has suggested.
Six: keep a journal of your progress.
If you are looking for ways to chart your successes (what works, what doesn't, how much weight has been lost, how your blood pressure is doing, etc.
), then keep a journal.
This can serve as tangible proof that your new lifestyle is working and keep you motivated.
Seven: make other lifestyle changes.
Just exercising is not enough; you need to change your diet as well.
Consult with your doctor over which foods would best help lower your blood pressure and incorporate them.
You do not have to deprive yourself of all of your favorite foods, just learn moderation and good eating sense.
Eight: create a schedule that works.
You have to make your hypertension exercise work for you; this means developing a schedule that is tailored to your particular lifestyle.
Know when you will have the most time to exercise and when it will be impossible.
This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and like the program is taking from your life, rather than adding to it.
Nine: remember why you are doing this.
Yes, it may be difficult and, yes, it can seem tedious.
But you have to remember that this program is for your health, to ensure that you lower your blood pressure and get yourself in shape.
Keep that in mind when you feel like taking time off from the plan.
Ten: understand the value of reward.
This does not mean that you should gorge yourself on fatty foods or consume alcohol for celebrating.
You should, though, set up small rewards as a way to boost motivation.
Whenever you reach a goal, treat yourself to an activity you love.
This will just make the event easier to handle if you have something worthwhile waiting at the end of it.
With these steps, you can create a hypertension exercise strategy and stay motivated throughout it.
With your doctor's help, this will be much a easier and effective effort.
Just make sure to mention any pre-existing conditions that you may have, such as diabetes, which may also impact your hypertension.