Now that you have the physical activity habit, the focus here is on helping you maintain the habit during "hard times," such as when your routine is disrupted by travel or a vacation. Maintain self-image
as active individualLast in a 5-part series on
beginning a fitness program
By Claudio R. Nigg and Bradley J. Cardinal
Special to the Star-BulletinThe way you deal with these hard times is important. Some advance planning and having a strong "physical activity identity" can help.
For example, for more than five years, a friend of ours has carried a sports bag with her on trips. The bag is packed with all the items she needs to be physically active (walking shoes, jump rope, elastic bands, etc.). People who know her often say things like, "I see you still have that old sports bag. You must still be exercising." Even people who don't know her assume she is a physically active person. In fact, people talk to her about almost any physical activity topic (from aerobic dance to paddling), all on the basis of seeing that bag. The bag has really become a part of her identity. We'll call this her "physical activity identity."
People with strong physical activity identities always find a way to be physically active, no matter how hard the situation may seem. How strong is your physical activity identity? Are you able to foresee and plan ahead for hard times? Prepare yourself by filling in the list above, using our suggestions as a starting point.
Even if physical activity is a natural part of your life, some situations might force you to miss your planned activity session (illness, for example). Try to set a "return to activity" date for yourself and stick to it. Don't let a temporary situation permanently keep you from being physically active.
The list you have just made is very powerful. It will help keep you physically active for life.
Claudio R. Nigg is with the Department of Public Health
Sciences & Epidemiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine,
University of Hawaii at Manoa. Bradley J. Cardinal is with the
Sport and Exercise Psychology Program, Department of Exercise
and Sport Science, Oregon State University.
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