Motivation to Exercise

For several weeks my schedule has gotten the best of me and all efforts at working out have fallen by the wayside.  So, I decided to think about fitness, motivation and the “MED” (minimum exercise dose) to maintain fitness.  Here’s what I came up with:

1. Consistency, not quantity is essential.

  • 10-20 minutes “every” day (i.e. 5 or 6 days a week) is really better than 60 minutes once a week.  Google “ten minute workouts” and you’ll find a huge number of workouts to do (or buy).
  • Concentrate on just increasing the time you move. Consider using a pedometer (cheap) or one of the more expensive monitors, like the Apple Watch.

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2. Planning helps.

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3. Having a goal works better than not having a goal.

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4. At some point you just have to decide it’s important.

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5 thoughts on “Motivation to Exercise

  1. I think this is one of the places where I’ve really dropped the ball the past 2+ years of medical school. It is SO hard to find time to exercise. These are great tips, though! thanks for sharing!

  2. I’m grappling with this as I start residency. I’d like to set up good habits now, but am having trouble with motivation. Thanks for the help, and get used to seeing me on this blog. It’s a great resource 🙂

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