Every New Year, scores of people flood to their local fitness centers.
They’re fired-up, ready to make a change … then, “it”
happens. It doesn’t matter what “it” is, but something
changes and their exercise routine doesn’t survive. Below are a
few tips to help you stick to those fitness aspirations:
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Identify your motivation.
Why are you exercising? Make it a good reason – one that matters.
Post it everywhere: on your bathroom mirror and on your car dash. Tell
everyone about your goal. The more people you tell, the more responsibility
you will feel to live up to your words.
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Find friends to join you.
You are more likely to continue with an activity if there’s a social
aspect to your routine. Make sure your exercise partner will challenge
you and not let you slide – you want to pick someone that will make
you better.
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Take a measurement.
Measurements show progress and provide motivation. It can be weight, blood
pressure, or circumference measures. The more you measure, the more likely
you’ll see positive results and those results will encourage you
to keep working.
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Pick an activity you like and are able to do.
If you enjoy it, you’re more likely to stick to it. Find alternatives
to your regular routine like swimming, cycling, and/or circuit training.
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Plan for the abnormal.
Change is normal. You cannot expect every day to be the same. Instead of
letting a change derail your progress, plan for it and continue improving.
If you like to run, but your knee is hurting, head to the gym and hop
on a bicycle or jump in the pool for a swim.
Remember, to see true success and improve your health you have to commit
to lifestyle changes. Talk to a fitness professional to help you with
your exercise program. The great thing about making good changes is that
after consistent effort, they become the new normal.
What do you want your new normal to look and feel like? Let that mental
picture be your motivation. Now, let’s get moving!
Download a
free trial pass for
Fitness Plus, a 15,000-square-foot health and fitness center located on the campus
of Catawba Valley Medical Center.