Fitness For The Future (Retention Tips)

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself.  Adherence to a regularly scheduled, consistent exercise program leads to overall good health.  Exercise can greatly enhance your quantity of living also, by making regular day-to-day physical activities such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries easier.

Have you started an exercise program in the past only to quit a month later? Pay careful attention to the following tips:

• Set realistic goals.  Don’t try to run a marathon or lose 10 pounds in a month.
• Begin slowly; and try a number of different exercises.  Limit the length of each session.
• Use visualization daily. Picture yourself enjoying your workout and then feeling great when you’re finished.
• Schedule exercise and make it a top priority in life.  Write it down on your calendar and keep a daily exercise log.
• Identify one exercise that you enjoy doing on most days.
• If you’re traveling, maintain some kind of routine.  Find a fitness center at the hotel, go for a swim, or take a long walk.  You can also try strengthening exercises such as push-ups, crunches, calf raises, and lunges.
• Don’t feel guilty when you miss a session or two.  Negative feelings will only decrease your motivation.  Getting back on track will make you feel better.
• If boredom is hindering your routine, try doing new exercises, pick a new sport, or recruit an exercise partner.  The key is finding something you like and sticking with it.
• Distractions such as reading, listening to music, or watching television while you work out can also help keep you motivated.  Try exercising at different times of the day, or break up a workout schedule to include aerobic exercise in the morning, and strength training in the evening.
• Buy an exercise video tape / DVD that you find entertaining.
• Schedule several sessions with a personal trainer.
• Join an exercise class that has a lively instructor.

Overall, it’s important not to get discouraged if you miss a week or two of exercise once in a while.  It’s never too late to get started again.  When your program gets off track, try to figure out what went wrong, and learn from your mistakes.  Best of luck and keep exercising!