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Tips for staying with your exercise program
If you’re like many individuals, you’ll
start an exercise routine, only to quit a few weeks into the New Year.
Starting an exercise program is the easiest part, sticking to your program
regularly and consistently is the challenging part. Research shows that
50% quit within three to six months. How you set up your program will
greatly determine whether you stick with it. The following tips are to
help you make exercise a life long habit, as natural and necessary as a
shower or brushing your teeth.
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Set realistic goals
set both a short-term goal and long-term goal. Make sure that they fit
into your lifestyle and are achievable. Re-evaluate often.
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Gain fitness knowledge-read
books; schedule a session with a fitness professional. You will learn
new techniques and find fresh motivation
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Don’t push yourself too
hard or you will want to quit. Progress takes
time. “Slow and steady wins the race”
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Make sure you use
proper technique Injury is the #1 reason for quitting
an exercise program
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Vary or change your
routine put variety into your program, cycle one day,
walk the next. If you like group activities try an aerobics class.
Variety helps prevent boredom and helps prevent plateaus.
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Keep it convenient
choose an exercise that doesn’t require a lot of skill, that you can do
anytime anywhere. Or if you go to the gym, choose a location that’s
close to home or office
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Plan ahead
Identify possible excuses. Have workout clothes ready, jogging
stroller, rain gear, etc. Schedule your exercise session and make it a
top priority in your life
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Recruit exercise
partner you’ll be more likely to continue if you have
someone to hold you accountable
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If you prefer to
workout alone find some good heart pumping music or
audio books that you can’t wait to listen to, (only give yourself
persimmon to listen when you are working out).
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Don’t worry if you miss
a workout or two, just get right back to your regular
routine and you will feel better instantly.
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Always give yourself
permission to shorten your workout; chances are you
will feel better as you go and you will want to continue
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Last but not least
Exercise for sanity not vanity, if your exercising only to lose weight
it’s easy to get discouraged
Avid exercisers know that exercise is the
cheapest most effective drug for almost any thing that ills you. It is
pure magic for the mind, body and soul. Make note of just some of the
life changing side effects
Slows down the aging process
Easier adaptation to the aging process
Disease prevention
Management of chronic conditions
Boosts energy levels
Increase self-esteem
Stress reduction
Better sleep
Weight maintenance
Not to mention keeps you “Looking good” and
Feeling strong”
Best of luck and keep exercising
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