How can I create a habit?

sheltondq

I used to run all the time in high school, but I stopped when I got into college. It’s now been 5 years since I ran and I’d like to get back into the habit. How can I motivate myself to start running daily?

ninerbuff

You just do it. Small increments at a time, but being CONSISTENT on a daily basis is how you create a habit.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Bry_Fitness70

That is a large jump to go from not running for 5 years to running every day, so take it slow! I recommend getting a quality pair of running shoes - visit a local run shop and have them analyze your feet and gait and select a pair for you (it will be a little more expensive than buying them online but after you know the right brand, type, and size from your initial purchase you can reorder that model online in the future). Then I would find a good program that gradually increases your mileage and intensity (Couch-to-5k for example) over time and you should be fine! Also, when you are comfortable running a 5k, running local races is a great motivator to keep you engaged. Good luck!

_pi3_

You do it every day for a month

4legsRbetterthan2

Bry_Lander wrote: »

That is a large jump to go from not running for 5 years to running every day, so take it slow! I recommend getting a quality pair of running shoes - visit a local run shop and have them analyze your feet and gait and select a pair for you (it will be a little more expensive than buying them online but after you know the right brand, type, and size from your initial purchase you can reorder that model online in the future). Then I would find a good program that gradually increases your mileage and intensity (Couch-to-5k for example) over time and you should be fine! Also, when you are comfortable running a 5k, running local races is a great motivator to keep you engaged. Good luck!

+1- but I would say just don't run everyday at all. Everyone needs rest days!

MichelleWithMoxie

like Nike says, just do it.

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cee134

sheltondq wrote: »

I used to run all the time in high school, but I stopped when I got into college. It’s now been 5 years since I ran and I’d like to get back into the habit. How can I motivate myself to start running daily?

I've read it can take up to 3 months to create a habit.

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Happysoul0317

I heard that it takes 21 days to change or create a "habit". So start today and in 21 days, you will have formed a new habit. Running. I know, that for me, I have to think short term. A month is short term. 21 days is shorter. Don't know if it'll work for you, but it helped me. Best of luck!

LivingtheLeanDream

Just get out there and do a short run and commit to doing some every other day for example. The more you do it the more it will become habit.

bojack3

I train people for weeks with a full disclosure that I am not training their bodies as much as changing their mindset I the beginning. It's about instilling habits and accountability. I try to help them become self aware. To be diligent in there everyday routines. I have 5 things I have my most troubled clients do everyday when they wake up. First...when you wake up and are fully conscious, count to 5 and get out of bed...never stay in after you get to 5. Second.....make your bed, or at least your side if someone else is in it. This signals your brain you have begun the day and are not turning back. Third.....5 minutes of exercise. Could be a set of pushups and sit ups.....anything. It's not meant to be your workout, it's meant to be a mental training exercise that you are being health conscious. Fourth......sit for 5 mins and do nothing but think. Think about and try to set a plan on how best to go about your day. It doesn't matter if your day throws you curveballs all day, plans can be changed, but anxiety is lessened the more organized you try to be. And the more you do it, the more surprised you will be at how infrequently the curveball bother you, and they may even lessen. Five....eat breakfast. I don't even care what it is at first. Eating before you leave the house is good. Even if it's chocolate cereal, it's not the point. The point is habit and discipline. And what happens in most cases, as you make strides in your health conscious attitude and discipline, you will also dump the cocoa pebbles for something a little better.

The idea around all this is, developing a pattern of habits. Making it health conscious habits are contagious and even when you are running everyday, the very simple habits you develop in the beginning just to retrain your mindset just may stick with you as well.

Just_J_Now

bojack3 wrote: »

I train people for weeks with a full disclosure that I am not training their bodies as much as changing their mindset I the beginning. It's about instilling habits and accountability. I try to help them become self aware. To be diligent in there everyday routines. I have 5 things I have my most troubled clients do everyday when they wake up. First...when you wake up and are fully conscious, count to 5 and get out of bed...never stay in after you get to 5. Second.....make your bed, or at least your side if someone else is in it. This signals your brain you have begun the day and are not turning back. Third.....5 minutes of exercise. Could be a set of pushups and sit ups.....anything. It's not meant to be your workout, it's meant to be a mental training exercise that you are being health conscious. Fourth......sit for 5 mins and do nothing but think. Think about and try to set a plan on how best to go about your day. It doesn't matter if your day throws you curveballs all day, plans can be changed, but anxiety is lessened the more organized you try to be. And the more you do it, the more surprised you will be at how infrequently the curveball bother you, and they may even lessen. Five....eat breakfast. I don't even care what it is at first. Eating before you leave the house is good. Even if it's chocolate cereal, it's not the point. The point is habit and discipline. And what happens in most cases, as you make strides in your health conscious attitude and discipline, you will also dump the cocoa pebbles for something a little better.

The idea around all this is, developing a pattern of habits. Making it health conscious habits are contagious and even when you are running everyday, the very simple habits you develop in the beginning just to retrain your mindset just may stick with you as well.

If I do #4 I'll fall back asleep. :laugh:

steveko89

Have a plan for increasing your mileage (maybe Couch-to-5k? might be too remedial Idk) and try to stick to it. You might only do a percentage of your runs at first getting back into the routine but essentially making yourself do it and increasing the frequency is the first step. As you go along, make it easier on yourself to say yes to go running; lay out your clothes, schedule the time in your calendar, set reminders, etc. Having some structure is key if/when your motivation dips to keep you on track.

bojack3

Just_J_Now wrote: »

bojack3 wrote: »

I train people for weeks with a full disclosure that I am not training their bodies as much as changing their mindset I the beginning. It's about instilling habits and accountability. I try to help them become self aware. To be diligent in there everyday routines. I have 5 things I have my most troubled clients do everyday when they wake up. First...when you wake up and are fully conscious, count to 5 and get out of bed...never stay in after you get to 5. Second.....make your bed, or at least your side if someone else is in it. This signals your brain you have begun the day and are not turning back. Third.....5 minutes of exercise. Could be a set of pushups and sit ups.....anything. It's not meant to be your workout, it's meant to be a mental training exercise that you are being health conscious. Fourth......sit for 5 mins and do nothing but think. Think about and try to set a plan on how best to go about your day. It doesn't matter if your day throws you curveballs all day, plans can be changed, but anxiety is lessened the more organized you try to be. And the more you do it, the more surprised you will be at how infrequently the curveball bother you, and they may even lessen. Five....eat breakfast. I don't even care what it is at first. Eating before you leave the house is good. Even if it's chocolate cereal, it's not the point. The point is habit and discipline. And what happens in most cases, as you make strides in your health conscious attitude and discipline, you will also dump the cocoa pebbles for something a little better.

The idea around all this is, developing a pattern of habits. Making it health conscious habits are contagious and even when you are running everyday, the very simple habits you develop in the beginning just to retrain your mindset just may stick with you as well.

If I do #4 I'll fall back asleep. :laugh:

To many late nights on Facebook hun.....

NewlifeinNW

I don't mean to sound negative about this, but its a pet peeve. I don't believe anyone can truly motivate you on a daily basis. You have to find that within yourself. Sure, you can be inspired by people and maybe sometimes someone helps you to get motivated, but this is up to you. If you are doing it for others you will most likely fail.

grandmom1997

My doctor told me to start with setting my timer for 15 minutes, walk till it goes off, then turn around and head back. I fould myself walking every other day, then almost every day. Not always on weekends. I chose to walk at our town's plaza and down main St. (I live in small town). I drop grandkids at the school, head to plaza, set my timer, head down main st, and each day I try to get farther before the timer goes off. This has been my inspiration and drive.. to get farther each time. Doing the same route helps me judge how much farther I make it. I haven't always been one to do regular exercise, but this has given me reason to do so, and getting the weight off and blood pressure down is a plus! So go for it, set your goals, start out slow and work up. You can do it!

Unknown

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