Making Exercise A Healthy Habit

The holiday season is usually a difficult time to stick to a healthy diet.  That may be one reason why many also decide to start an exercise routine this time of year.

Unfortunately, good intentions don't always translate into good practice; the average person who starts an exercise routine has difficulty sticking to it after two or three months. So what can help you succeed?

"It's one of my favorite things to do," Kristin Hanson said.

Hanson is what you would call a highly-effective exerciser. She works out at the gym four days a week and exercises another two days a week at home.

"It makes me feel like I can be a better mom when I'm around my kids because I've had that exercise and release of energy. I just feel calmer," Hanson said.

Another driving factor is that Hanson also wants to be healthy and strong for her two children. She lost her mother to ALS when she was in her early twenties.

"For me, it's something I would never give up," Hanson said.

Hanson stays motivated by mixing it up. She lifts weights and does a variety of cardio workouts. Exercise specialists say that can help you enjoy the activity more and not get as bored.

"If you enjoy something, you'll always come back," Sanford Exercise Specialist Greg Aske said.

But in today's hectic world, you might not feel like you have time to go to the gym. Aske says you need to schedule it in.

"A lot of stuff you can also do at home. If you can't make it to the gym, you still can do something outside or at home," Aske said.

So what is Aske's number one tip? He says top find a friend to workout with.

"Accountability is one of the key ones to stick with the routine," Aske said.

While it may seem like a lot of work just to get in a workout, Hanson says for her, it's been well worth it.

"I've had health issues in the past and exercise just really helped me overcome that," Hanson said.

Aske also says you should try to be consistent.  But if you miss a day at the gym, don't feel like it's the end of the world. Just continue your workout routine the next day.