Magic truly happens the day exercise is no longer a chore, but a habit that you simply cannot live without.

This is the place where sustainable results are really achieved and there is no limit to how far you can take your fitness and strength once you find yourself in this state of mind.

So what is the secret to success when it comes to making exercise your new daily habit?

I have put together my top 10 tips to help give you some guidance as to how you too can achieve this amazing state of mind and make exercise a habit (not a chore).

Tip No.1  – Start small

Exercise doesn’t always have to be done a million miles an hour, 7 days a week, especially when you’re just starting out. Too often I see people running themselves into the ground doing crazy amounts of exercise for the first week or 2 and then giving up because it’s all too hard. Start small and then work your way up from there. 3-4 30 minute sessions a week is a great starting point and can be increased over time as your fitness and strength improve.

Tip No.2 – Schedule exercise into your daily/weekly diary

Find an exercise time that works for you and your family, put it in your diary and try not to make any other plans at this time. Doing it first thing in the morning is what I normally recommend as it gets it out of the way right at the beginning of the day and then sets you up with loads of energy for the rest of the day.

Tip No.3 – Keep it consistent

It’s no good to work out 7 days a week one week and then only do 1 or 2 the following week. You need to stay consistent from week to week and be exercising at least 3-4 times a week every week. Obviously there are exceptions such as when you’re sick or when you’re on holidays, but for the main part you must stay consistent with this type of schedule.

Tip No.4 – Keep it fun

Don’t listen to what anyone says – exercise can absolutely be fun! If running isn’t your thing, then don’t spend hours running! Find a form of exercise that you actually get enjoyment from, there are so many options out there to suit all walks of life. Home based workout DVD’s, yoga, tennis, netball, aerobics, Pilates, Zumba, gym, power walking with the pram, outdoor group fitness are just a few examples of the variety out there.

Tip No.5 – Variety is the spice of life!

Mix it up and keep doing different things, don’t just stick to the same types of exercise week in, week out. Get hold of an exercise program from a personal trainer, mix in different types of cardio, resistance, team sports or even just walking with the pram. By mixing it up a little every few weeks you’re less likely to get bored with exercising.

Tip no.6 – Exercise with a friend

Once you commit to a workout session with someone else, you’re not only letting yourself down if you cancel, you let them down too. This helps to provide a little bit of extra motivation plus who doesn’t love a good gossip/workout session in one!

Tip No.7 – Prepare all your workout gear

If you’re planning to get out first thing in the morning, lay your clothes out the night before so it’s all there ready for you when you wake the next day. You will be amazed how much easier it is to get it done when everything is all ready for you to when you wake up.

Tip. No.8 – Have your exercise equipment out on display.

I’m a huge fan of working out in the lounge room, so I have a treadmill, my little set of dumbbells, yoga mat and aerobic step neatly lined up at the back of my lounge room always reminding me and motivating me to workout.

Tip No.9 – Turn sit time into fit time!

Take 10 minutes out of your normal TV time at the end of the day to move your butt from the couch onto the floor and do some core work. You can still watch your favorite trashy TV show, hang out with your hubby and also be doing a great tummy workout too!

Tip No.10 – Involve your children in your workout activities.

There are heaps of exercise activities you can do while the kids are around and trust me, they love to watch you! My kids get a lot of enjoyment from watching me jump around doing my workouts and even try to copy me. It’s so healthy for them to watch you and will help encourage a healthy attitude towards exercise and fitness.

Image of “exercising mum” from Shutterstock