9 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Exercise

Chris Comish avatar

by Chris Comish |

Share this article:

Share article via email

Exercising and keeping as fit as possible is encouraged for everyone, but when it comes to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients, physical exercise might represent a promising approach to alleviate SMA symptoms.

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

shutterstock_246869686

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 in the day, 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.

Long-term exercise was found to benefit mice models of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), providing important clues for designing rehabilitation programs in patients.

shutterstock_429444478

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.

A team of researchers from Denmark found that a cycle training program was able to modestly improve oxidative capacity in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type III.

shutterstock_234489328

Schedule your exercise in

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

Learn more about how physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation may help to improve posture, prevent joint immobility, and slow muscle weakness and atrophy in some cases of SMA.

shutterstock_250767244

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.

Learn all about the new exoskeleton designed to specifically give children who suffer from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) a chance to stand up and walk.

shutterstock_383093482

Think positively

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

Read about the four different areas of SMA management.

shutterstock_429531241

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.

Read about the four types of spinal muscular atrophy here. 

shutterstock_151129412

Break exercise up

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

Long-term exercise was found to benefit mice models of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), providing important clues for designing rehabilitation programs in patients.

shutterstock_233563201

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 pulmonary fibrosis is a great reason to go out and get active, rather than just thinking that “maybe” you should be exercising.

A team of researchers from Denmark found that a cycle training program was able to modestly improve oxidative capacity in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type III.

shutterstock_280658234

Set goals

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

Learn more about how physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation may help to improve posture, prevent joint immobility, and slow muscle weakness and atrophy in some cases of SMA.

SMA 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.