Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 30 November 2023 – Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) aims to inspire a healthier lifestyle long after the 30 days are over. An enormous element of that involves reframing our mindset when it comes to movement and getting active. Each year, while DFC offers thousands of exciting classes, activities, and events throughout its 30 days, for momentum to continue, we should also look to develop every day, sustainable practices that are easy to integrate into busy lives, to help us continue our fitness journey long after DFC is over.
Finding the time to exercise is a barrier for a lot of people, with demanding jobs, children with busier schedules than ours, and an endless to-do list. So, as well as the plethora of mass participation events, classes and activities that have taken place during DFC, here are some of the simpler ways to integrate movement into the everyday to keep the momentum going. Every minute dedicated to physical and mental well-being is a step towards a sustained, healthier lifestyle.
Keep an optimistic mindset around what counts as movement
Reframing our beliefs around exercise can prevent us becoming despondent about trying to reach our goals. If the commitment to work out every day seems overwhelming, remember that a healthy lifestyle is not about daily gym visits, flawless workout clothes, and personal bests. For example, do you reach for your phone when you need to stock up your kitchen cupboards? Rather than relying on an app delivery for your groceries, head to the store. A 30-minute walk around the aisles counts as movement and develops a habit which you can easily continue without having to think too much about it. Pop in after work or for a quick shop, or dash down the aisles on your lunch break. Any movement that replaces sitting and scrolling, counts.
When we reframe exercise simply as movement, our options to achieve our goals suddenly fly wide open. Half an hour of family fun on a mini golf course, for example, may be more enticing than another exercise class, but it all constitutes movement, so consider it another day of exercise and movement ticked off and remember how simple that felt. Rather than become stunted by your fitness commitments, simplify the concept of activity, and it will suddenly seem so much simpler to stay on track.
We can also probably be more honest with ourselves about our habits. Do you spend 15 minutes looking at your phone when you wake up? Imagine if you replaced that with a short Pilates or HIIT session in the garden or on the balcony. If you set your alarm 15 minutes earlier, maybe you can fit in a jog around the community? End the day with a yoga flow, or an evening after-dinner walk, and your 30 minutes is suddenly ticked off.
Hacking the mental barriers around movement
Anyone who has tried to commit to a routine before knows that the battle is often more mental than physical, so try to find the little hacks that work for you. For example, on the days you know you are working out, get in your gym gear as soon as you can. Once you’re in your trainers, you are on the right track. If you are working at home, dress in your exercise clothes even if your class is in a few hours’ time. If you are ready, you are already committed.
Commitment also becomes easier if we believe that we are deserving of our workout. While busy lives might leave us feeling like an endorphin-boosting hour of ‘me time’ is a type of treat, it is quite the opposite. Once we start believing that we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to keep fit, our mindset shifts. Block time, plan, and shake off any feelings of self-indulgence. The benefits to both an individual and all those around them are endless.
In conclusion…
Fostering an optimistic mindset and acknowledging the value of all types of movement will empower us to sustain our fitness journey well beyond Dubai Fitness Challenge. It is essential to remember that every step, no matter how small, contributes to significant long-term health benefits. Additionally, recognising that prioritising exercise benefits not only ourselves but also our loved ones can shift our mindset and facilitate a greater commitment to physical activity. To ensure consistency, it is helpful to block out dedicated time, meticulously plan our workouts, and let go of any feelings of guilt or self-indulgence associated with taking care of our well-being. Embrace the understanding that engaging in regular physical activity is a precious gift we offer ourselves and those around us. By incorporating these mental strategies and adopting a mindset that acknowledges our worthiness and commitment, we can overcome mental barriers and establish sustainable exercise habits. Remember that the positive effects of regular physical activity extend beyond our individual well-being, positively influencing our overall health and relationships. Embrace the journey, celebrate every effort, and let the transformative power of movement enrich your life and the lives of those around you. Let DFC serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard to a lifelong commitment to a healthier and more active lifestyle.
