Finding Balance with Exercise

Everyone begins a fitness program for different reasons.  Some people are interested in losing weight, while others are exercising to maintain good health, or trying to improve their health.  No matter what your reason for beginning an exercise program, you will most likely come to a point where your motivation and desire decline.  Do not fret, even highly motivated people run into this condition.

The following are some suggestions for staying motivated and maintaining your exercise program:

• Remember the reason why you started the program.
• If time is a problem, remember that you do not need to exercise two hours a day to achieve significant health benefits.
• If you find yourself becoming bored with your program, vary your exercise routine.  Another great way to avoid boredom is to have an exercise partner.
• Do not become frustrated by a lack of immediate results from your exercise program or you may lose your desire to continue and give up.  Understand that healthy changes take time and do not occur overnight.
• You should measure your success by relative results.  Do you feel better about yourself since you started?  Do you feel stronger and have more energy?  Do your clothes fit better?

The following are some suggestions for fitting fitness into your daily life:

• Park in the farthest space from the store or mall.
• Walk, run, and play actively with your children or grandchildren.
• Mow your yard using a push mower.
• Take a walking break instead of a coffee break at work.
• Hide your remote and change channels the old-fashioned way.
• Put on upbeat music while you clean your house.
• Take up dance - ballroom, clogging - you name it.  Most of us love music, and it’s fun!