21 Days and Counting to Exercise as a Habit

They say it takes six weeks to create and ingrain a new habit.  Well, I'm halfway there.  Twenty-one days ago I decided that I needed to make daily exercise a habit.  I was inspired by an e-book entitled What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast.  I reasoned that if I could reshape my day by arising earlier and committing to morning exercise, I might just be able to be one of those diligent fitness fanatics that I envy.  So far, it's worked.  There have been a few days in which I have had to get my workout done in the evening and I'm not beyond closing down the gym to the very last minute.  However, what I discovered over these past weeks is that exercising is easier and what's more I actually crave it. Now that's truly amazing.

This sudden change is explained best in an article that I recently read on what happens to our brains when we exercise and how it makes us happy. Of course, we have all heard about the endorphins that are released which bring on a feeling of euphoria but there is actually real science behind the magic of exercise.  The article states that there is a protein, BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), released in the process of exercise that protects your brain from stress.  Leo Widrich, the author of the aforementioned article, states that BDNF and endorphins are the reason that exercise makes us feel good. He further points out that regular exercise is what maximizes this happiness.  So making exercise a habit is not only physically healthy, it is emotionally healthy as well. 

That's enough proof for me.  Exercise is better than drugs and what's more it's natural and legal! What more do I need to continue on my journey to six weeks of daily exercise?

There have been a few tips that have kept me on the straight and narrow to being consistent over the last twenty-one days.

• I chose a primary method of exercise.  I love walking and to be consistent, the treadmill is the best method for me.  A home treadmill or one at the gym both work well.
• I chose morning workouts. This has made all of the difference for me. It starts my day off on an upswing and my workout is finished so that I am not deterred from unforeseen circumstances.
•  I chose a small motivator. I use Foursquare to check into various places. I check into my gym using this social media application and record my results. It allows me to share it with my Twitter followers (accountability) and the application responds with encouraging feedback (you've been here 21 days in a row). As a reward for my frequent check-ins, I recently stole the mayorship of my gym, Planet Fitness. Sweet!

I'm well on my way to a daily exercise habit and I'm sure my heart and body thank me.  But my mind and soul, two participants who unknowingly have come along for the ride may be the biggest benefactors. At any rate, I'm thoroughly enjoying the journey.