A recent study out from the University of Wisconsin-Madison concluded that those of us who couple physical activity with a specific, immediate goal, are more likely to consistently perform that activity and stick with it longer than possibly a gym routine. They call this "Factor P" for "purpose". This makes sense especially with the mindset of the newer exerciser--they want to see results now!
While I personally like going to the gym and am committed to life-Long fitness, I can see "Factor P" regularly at work in other aspects of my exercise life. I moved to a new neighborhood here in Southern California earlier this year, and am still exploring the different streets, trails and parks.
I was delighted to see that many routine errands I do--going to Mail Boxes Etc. to get my mail, the video store, the gym, the supermarket, Wal-Mart, Target and lots more, were all within walking distances ranging from a few blocks to a couple of miles away from my home. So I started motivating myself to check out the area and walk extra by keeping the car parked and going on foot to these various destinations. I also love to walk just for the sake of walking, but I found that adding these "business" walks, made me do even more. They were also great motivators for every now and then when I didn't feel like doing much exercise. I would then simply make a deal with myself to "just" go get the
mail 6 blocks away. I had no idea I was using "Factor P".
And it works! I eventually started getting more ambitious and even added "business" walks that were a bit more challenging--like to my post office which is 2.2 miles away in each direction, with the added bonus of two nice gradual hills.
It also doesn't have to just be the need to take care of business that can give a walk "purpose". This past weekend, my husband and I took a new local trail to see where it would lead. We guessed it should eventually wind down to one of our beach areas, but it was tough to tell. Yet it was that "purpose" of reaching the beach that made us take a much longer walk than we planned--about 4 miles each way--and yes, we did reach the beach as our reward. Other than the rattlesnake we encountered on the way back (no harm done, we just stayed away and waited till it crossed the path), it was a lovely Sunday afternoon.
So while a healthy eating style like "NMP" is important to your health, so is regular exercise. Use "Factor P" to get yourself motivated--or more motivated. And just because I like to walk, "Factor P" works with your favorite activity too--whether your thing is walking, jogging, running, biking, skating...just do something!
