As the leaves begin to change and the air cools, there's something about September that feels like a fresh start. It's a time of new beginnings, routines, and for many of us, the perfect opportunity to refocus on ourselves after a summer of taking care of everyone else.
But let’s be honest: starting an exercise habit can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re a busy mom with a nest that feels too quiet and you spent years putting everyone else's needs first.
You might be feeling lost and thinking, "Where do I even begin?" or "How do I do this?” The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your life to get started.
In fact, the best way to begin your exercise habit is by starting small, focusing on what you enjoy, and being consistent.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. Think About What You Love to Do
Before we even talk about exercise, I want you to take a moment to think about the activities that truly light you up. What do you love doing? It could be anything — pickle ball with friends, hiking high peaks, spending time with your grandkids, exploring new places, gardening, dancing, or enjoying a peaceful walk in nature.
Now, imagine how these activities could be even better if you felt stronger, more energetic, and more confident in your body. Enjoying a day with friends out on the pickle ball court (or your favorite activity of choice), walking through a new city without needing a break, or simply dancing through the night with ease.
These are the things that make life joyful, and they can be even more fulfilling when you’re in a body that supports your passions.
2. Start Small
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when trying to start an exercise habit is thinking you have to go all-in from day one. But the truth is, small steps lead to big changes. Start with just 5-10 minutes a day. This could be a walk around the block, a few stretches, or even dancing to your favorite song in the living room. The key is to make it so easy that it becomes a no-brainer to do it.
And the most essential key is CONSISTENCY! 10 minutes every day is way more effective and an hour once a week. The goal isn’t to exhaust yourself; it’s to create a habit that you can stick with.
3. Find Joy in Movement
Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym or running miles (unless you love that!). It’s about finding a form of movement that you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s yoga, swimming, or gardening, the best exercise is the one you’ll actually do. So, experiment with different activities until you find something that makes you feel good. Not sure what you like? Best thing to do here is try something and if ya like you’ll do it!
When you enjoy what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like a chore. Instead, it becomes something you look forward to, something that brings a little more joy into your day.
4. Set Realistic Goals
It’s easy to get caught up in setting big, ambitious goals, but realistic goals are the ones that lead to lasting success. Start with something achievable, like 5 minutes every day, or pick two or three days of the week to commit to. Another idea is just try adding a few more steps to your daily routine.
Small wins build confidence, and confidence keeps you motivated. As you start to see progress, you’ll naturally want to do more.
But for now, keep it simple and focus on building a strong foundation.
5. Create a Routine
Fitting exercise into your routine can be challenging, but it’s key to making it a habit. Look for opportunities to add movement to your day. Maybe it’s a walk first thing in the morning, or a lunch time stretch or yoga before bed. Find a time that works for you and stick with it.
Consistency is more important than intensity. It’s better to do a little bit every day than to do a lot once in a while. Over time, these small actions will add up to big changes.
6. Embrace the Power of Consistency
Speaking of consistency - I know I have used that word a lot in this blog — let’s talk about why it’s so important. Simply — consistency sets a foundation and builds habits, and habits are what lead to lasting change. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to show up for yourself regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Remember, it’s not about doing the most or pushing yourself to the limit. It’s about doing something regularly that moves you closer to your goals. And when life gets hectic, remind yourself that a little bit of something is always better than a whole lot of nothing.
7. Celebrate Your Wins
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your victories, no matter how small they might seem. Did you get in that 10-minute walk today? Celebrate it! Every step forward is progress, and it’s worth acknowledging. Celebrating your wins keeps you motivated and reminds you why you started in the first place.
Plus, it’s a great way to boost your confidence and keep the momentum going.
It's a time of new beginnings, routines, and for many of us, the perfect opportunity to refocus on ourselves after a summer of taking care of everyone else.
Ready to Get Started?
Starting an exercise habit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on small, joyful steps, setting realistic goals, and being consistent, you can create a routine that fits into your life and helps you feel stronger, more energetic, and more confident.
And if you need a little extra help to get started, I’ve got something special for you — my Feel Good Foundations mini email course. It’s a 5-day course designed to help you kickstart your wellness journey, and it’s completely FREE! Sign up today and take the first step towards feeling your best.
Remember, this September is your time.
Your time to focus on you,
to prioritize your health,
and to start living the vibrant,
joyful life you deserve.
You’ve got this!
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