25 Ways To Make Exercise Routine

We know we should, we say we want to but still--we just can't find the time or the motivation or discipline. Whatever. Writer Leo Babauta has gone from an overweight, out of shape smoker to a marathon running health advocate. Here are his 25 tips for making exercise a habit.

1. Start slow. The biggest mistake that people make when starting an exercise plan is starting too fast or too hard. Trust me, I've done it many times. I've learned to take it easy, start as small as possible, and worry about endurance or intensity later. The key in the beginning is to make it enjoyable and accomplishable. That's probably not a word, but it should be. And it is now.

2. Warm up. If you're going to do any kind of exercise, don't do it with your muscles cold. Gradually get your heart pumping and blood flowing. You're less likely to injure yourself, and your workout will be more enjoyable

3. Increase gradually. After getting used to a certain level of exercise, you'll want to increase it. Don't just run two miles or walk 20 minutes three times a week for a year. Your body adjusts to the stress you're giving it, so you need to increase the level once you've adjusted. But do it gradually, and only every two weeks or so.

4. Schedule workouts. Make appointments with yourself to workout, at a specific time and place, just as you would with any other appointment. And make it the most important appointment on your calendar - more important than a doctor's visit or even the manicurist.