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1.    Set a time that works for you

We are creatures of habit. We crave routine, so a great idea is to figure out the best time of day that suits you to get active and makes it a standing appointment. It may be tough at first but a routine becomes habit very quickly, your body will switch on to autopilot in no time at all. Personally for me, mornings are my time to shine. I exercise first thing in the morning because I know that if I don’t, I may not get around to it later in the day. Mornings may not work for you but no matter how busy your daily routine, there will be a way to incorporate movement if you are really committed.

2.    Adopt the right mindset

You might feel you have so much going on that even carving out 20 minutes for a quick stretch or work-out before work seems impossible. When you’re in that mindset, exercise seems like just another thing to add to your “to do” list and clutter up your schedule. Instead, don’t focus on what exercise “takes” from you – time – but look at what it gives you. I don’t view exercise simply as a way to burn off calories but rather as a way to get my circulation going, to build new tissue and to function at a higher metabolic rate during the day. That way, being active is a non-negotiable part of my day, just like having a shower, brushing my teeth and going to work. I once heard someone refer to being active as “giving them time” because the vitality they gain from exercising actually gives them hours of productive energy. For me, this is absolutely true. Hop on the treadmill for 30 minutes when you’re tired and you’ll gain four hours of renewed energy.

3.    Create positive rituals

I have many daily and weekly rituals that keep me moving, but it is my weekend ritual that I truly cherish. Every Saturday and Sunday, Bill and I take our dog Roger for a long walk along the beach to our favourite café. It is an energising start to the morning and gives us time to plan the day or week ahead and earn our breakfast calories at the same time. I usually order a good cup of black coffee with two poached eggs or a veggie omelette. One of the things I enjoy is that we get to exercise and enjoy breakfast without any time constraints, which to me is what weekends are all about. It’s not difficult to create an enjoyable ritual like this in your own life. You just need to figure out what works for you and your family, what gets you moving and, most importantly, you need to make it fun.

4.    Wear the right clothes

My philosophy is to always be ready to move in whatever I’m wearing. If I plan on doing exercise after work, I wear a crop top and singlet to the office with a tailored jacket. At 5pm, all I need to do is change my pants and pop on a pair of sneakers and I’m ready to go. I do the same in weekends if I want to go shopping or meet friends for lunch followed by a gym work-out. This concept is what Lorna Jane is all about; I design activewear with this type of lifestyle in mind. By wearing clothes that allow me to move at a moment’s notice, I’m always ready to take the active approach. I find I’m actually more creative when I’m wearing comfortable clothes. I feel less constricted and more relaxed so I can sit on the floor, spread paperwork out around me, jump up and move around the room if I need to.

5.    Unlock your passion

Trust me, you won’t stick at something if you feel like it’s hard work or you don’t enjoy it. If you want great legs but you hate running, don’t give up – just find an alternative. If you love the hype of a spin class or the energy and escapism of the neighbourhood dance class, you will be more likely to commit. As a result you will enjoy your exercise, have fun and improve your physique along the way.

Lorna Jane has just released her first book MOVE NOURISH BELIEVE: The Fit Woman’s Secret Revealed. We have 5 copies to giveaway – enter here to WIN.