With all the excitement of starting or returning to university, it can be easy to lose motivation to exercise. Exercising is not only a great way of staying fit and healthy physically, but it’s also useful for improving mental health. Here are easy ways to start exercising more, whether you’re a beginner or you would like to get back into it.
Find a fitness buddy
Finding a friend to exercise with is great for motivation. Not only can it make fitness more enjoyable, but they can also keep you accountable. You can also give each other new ideas!
Start with the basics
You don’t have to be lifting heavyweights or running marathons to be good at exercising; just moving your body is enough. Starting with the basics can encourage you to exercise more frequently, and you can then build it up from there. Walking is a type of exercise that often gets overlooked, but it’s a great way of keeping fit, plus it’s simple to do!
Parkrun
If running is your favourite type of exercise, or you want to get into it but not sure where to start, going to a Parkrun is ideal. Parkruns happen up and down the country at 9am every Saturday. It consists of a 5k run, usually in a park, and is free to participate in! The one in Bournemouth takes place at Kings Park Athletic Stadium, Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth, BH7 6JD, and all you have to do is register online beforehand and take your unique barcode with you. Parkruns are great because you are surrounded by likeminded people and the atmosphere is motivating.
Join a gym
There are plenty of gyms in Bournemouth, including the one on Talbot campus. Joining a gym can be a good way of staying consistent because if you’re paying for it each month, you will be more inclined to go. Alternatively, you could join fitness classes. Most gyms have these, and they are a great way of exercising as well as meeting new people!
New gym clothes
New activewear is a great motivation to start exercising more. Wearing what you feel comfortable and confident in can result in you wanting to exercise more. After all, when you look good, you feel good too!
Find out what you enjoy doing
Exercising because you find it fun is the best way to keep it consistent. If you find yourself exercising because you feel obliged to, it could quickly start to feel like a chore.