It’s no secret that exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy body weight and overall health. However, many people tend to give up on their exercise routines after a few months, or they cycle through periods of being active and then sedentary. This can be especially true during seasonal shifts when the weather changes. Research shows that consistently exercising throughout the year is the key to sustainable weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
Stay consistent—even when life gets in the way
It’s important to be consistent with your exercise routine in order to maintain and achieve weight loss. Whether it’s due to work, family commitments, or just a lack of motivation, it’s crucial to find ways to stay active even when life gets busy. Incorporating activities into your daily routine like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away in the parking lot so you have to walk more, or doing simple exercises while watching TV can all contribute to staying consistent with your exercise habits.
The dangers of yo-yo exercising
When people go through cycles of exercising and then stopping, they can actually do more harm to their weight loss efforts than they realize. This is because every time you stop exercising and gain weight, it becomes harder to lose those pounds when you start working out again. According to Paul Williams of Berkeley Lab’s Life Sciences Division in California, when you stop working out, gain weight, and then start exercising again, you have to exercise at a higher level to lose the weight you gained from being sedentary. Therefore, consistently sticking to a regular exercise routine can save you a lot of trouble and effort in the long run.
Year-round benefits of consistent exercise
When you consistently exercise throughout the year, you not only improve your chances of losing weight and keeping it off, you also experience a multitude of other benefits for your physical and mental health. Consistent, year-round exercise can:
Improve your cardiovascular health: Regular exercise helps to strengthen your heart, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently. This can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, lower your blood pressure, and improve your cholesterol levels.
Enhance your mood: Exercise has been proven to release endorphins, which help to create feelings of happiness and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Boost your energy levels: When you stay active, your body delivers oxygen and nutrients to your muscles more effectively. This can help to improve your overall energy levels, allowing you to get through your day feeling stronger and more energized.
Improve your strength and flexibility: Engaging in both strength training exercises and flexibility training can help to keep your muscles toned, your joints limber, and your body more resilient to injuries.
Promote better sleep: Consistently exercising can help to regulate your body’s sleep patterns, allowing you to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and feel more refreshed in the morning.
Keeping your exercise routine interesting and enjoyable
One of the keys to staying consistent with your exercise routine is to keep it interesting and enjoyable. If you dread going to the gym or heading out for a run, chances are you won’t stick with it for long. Try incorporating a variety of activities into your weekly exercise routine, such as swimming, dancing, hiking, or yoga. This will not only keep things fresh, but it will also help to ensure that you’re working different muscle groups and engaging in a well-rounded fitness program. Additionally, finding a workout buddy or participating in group exercise classes can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable.
Setting realistic goals and tracking your progress
Setting realistic goals for your exercise routine and tracking your progress can also help you to stay consistent and see results. Break down your larger goals into smaller, more attainable steps, and celebrate your successes along the way. Keeping a workout journal or using a fitness tracker app can be a helpful way to visualize your progress over time and keep you motivated to stick with your exercise schedule.
The bottom line
Consistent, year-round exercise is the key to sustainable weight loss and overall good health. Staying active through all seasons might be challenging, but the benefits are more than worth it. Make a commitment to yourself to prioritize exercise in your life, and find ways to stay active and engaged in your routine throughout the year. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.
