9 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Exercise

Exercising and keeping fit is always encouraged, but when it comes to muscular dystrophy (MD), there are many patients who cannot partake in physical exercise. For others, engaging in an exercise routine can help improve muscle tone and increase overall fitness and health. However, you should always consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen.

Here are nine ways to motivate yourself to get out there and start exercising, based on prevention.com:

Exercise first thing in the morning

Write a list of things to do the next day, then make exercise the number one thing on the list. Some people find that they are more likely to exercise if it’s the first thing they do, that way they can’t put it off. Working out first thing also makes you feel super good about yourself for the rest of the day.

Here are some exercises and stretches adapted for muscular dystrophy patients.

Exercise with friends

If jogging solo doesn’t inspire you, then go out walking with friends or find a gym buddy. Not only will exercise become a social event, you are less likely to bail if you think you’ll be letting a friend down. If there are no friends available, take your dog with you, he’ll certainly be pleased to get out.

Here are three different types of exercise that patients with slowly progressing muscular dystrophy might consider taking up.

Schedule your exercise in

If you’re not a morning person, then schedule exercise into your day at a set time and stick to it, treating it like an appointment that you must attend.

Find out more about the different types of muscular dystrophy.

Only do what you enjoy

If you hate running, find a different exercise. We’re are all more likely to stick to exercising regularly if it’s something that we enjoy, rather than something we treat as a chore.

Here are three different types of exercise that patients with slowly progressing muscular dystrophy might consider taking up.

Think positively

Instead of dismissing the idea of exercising because you have muscular dystrophy, start thinking more positively and that you want to exercise because you have muscular dystrophy. Adapting your attitude will help motivate you to exercise regularly.

Here are some exercises and stretches adapted for muscular dystrophy patients.

It doesn’t have to be perfect

Don’t put undue stress on yourself. It doesn’t matter if one day you can cycle 20 miles and the next you can only manage five. Do what you can that day and take each day as it comes.

Watch an animated explanation of muscular dystrophy here. 

Break exercise up

You don’t have to do an hour straight of exercise. For many muscular dystrophy patients, this may simply be too much at one time. You can break your exercise up into smaller time frames, for instance, a 10-minute speed walk in the morning and 20 minutes of yoga in the afternoon.

Find out what it’s like to live with a muscle degenerative disease such as muscular dystrophy.

Realize why you’re exercising

Knowing exactly why you’re exercising will help you get your priorities in order. Knowing that exercise can help you with your muscular dystrophy is a great reason to go out and get active, rather than just thinking that “maybe” you should be exercising.

Here are some exercises and stretches adapted for muscular dystrophy patients.

Set goals

Start with simple exercises and build up your strength and stamina, aiming for small goals each time. Don’t push yourself too hard, but having a clear idea of what you would like to achieve will help motivate you.

Here are three different types of exercise that patients with slowly progressing muscular dystrophy might consider taking up.

Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.