Although managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance focuses on diet, staying fit with routine exercise is an equally important aspect of self care. Getting and staying motivated to exercise is a real challenge many people face. If you have this challenge, there are a few simple things that you can do to keep the momentum going.

Think about the best time of day a short session for exercise could work for you. Perhaps first thing in the morning, or sometime during  a mid-day break. The best time to work out is different for each person. Find times that easily work into your day, and that will be your best time.

Start out small with what you do or how long you do it. Starting out with a 15 or 20 minute brisk walk seems less daunting than a full intense workout for an hour at the gym. It’s nice to know that those short exercise sessions help improve fitness and for busy people, are easier to work in each day. If things go well, you can always add time to your session later.

Consider participating in activities that you enjoy. Perhaps it’s walking outdoors or a game of tennis with a friend. Becoming more active is easier when you choose physical activities that you actually look forward to doing.

If you have been exercising for a while it may be a good idea to explore new ideas for activity. Make a short list of possible activities that may work for you, then try out those ideas to see how they might fit into your plan.

It’s likely that over time your workout plan will need to be tweaked. Staying motivated to exercise often means making things more interesting. By changing up the frequency, intensity or type of activity, you can make your plan evolve into something that not only holds your attention, but keeps you healthy and fit!

Remember, having a solid exercise plan is essential for the person with celiac or gluten intolerance, regardless of whether you need to lose, maintain, or gain weight. .