Establishing an Exercise Routine

A Study that caught my attention this month was not only to inform practice of potential barriers that prohibits routine exercise in implementing an exercise program, but also identify what aspects promote sustained ongoing practice. This longitudinal qualitative study particularly focused on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, but I believe there are valuable points that are applicable to anyone wishing to establish good exercise habits.

Motivation can be internal and external. Internally we can take ownership of our behavior and realistic goals. However, when we feel we have little to gain this internal motivation often fails us. This is where external motivation is introduced into the equation. To some extent, accountability and acknowledging that an instructor or fellow participants are waiting for you can provide the proper motivation in order to promote good habits.

Unfortunately exercise programs are often implemented in complex situations e.g. lack of sleep due to anxiety or a chronic condition flaring up. These everyday struggles that are part of becoming older can complicate the process of forming good habits. We need to observe the habit not as the “act of exercising” but as the “decision to exercise”. If we can make the “decision to exercise” automatic, and not necessarily dependent on others, we can then navigate around everyday distractions and the unpredictability of chronic conditions.

My goal is to provide all of you with ongoing instruction, guidance and modifications when necessary, and I truly hope that providing you access to our recorded online classes can help you execute that DECISION to exercise, if and when life gets in the way.

Lets make it our goal to facilitate good habit through age appropriate exercise guidance, perceived benefit, positive attitude and confidence in our DECISION TO EXERCISE.

The research indicated that the use of exercise diaries, goal setting, continued support, encouragement, identifying barriers and discussing modifications as strategies can be useful tools and promote a successful outcome when implemented in practice (Nichols et.al, 2017).

Through influencing exercise intentions and beliefs, and by implementing these simple guidelines you can make a considerable impact to your quality of life at any age through habitual exercise.

Reference

Nichols, V. P., Williamson, E., Toye, F., & Lamb, S. E. (2017). A longitudinal, qualitative study exploring sustained adherence to a hand exercise programme for rheumatoid arthritis evaluated in the SARAH trial. Disability and Rehabilitation, 39(18), 1856-1863. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2016.1212111