Meeting Your Exercise Goals

Maintaining a regular exercise routine – or any positive habit – may be more achievable when you identify some concrete, realistic daily goals.

Know what you want. Example: A 30-minute workout daily.

Have a plan. Example: Walk every morning or swim every evening or alternate activities.

Start small. Example: Fit in just 15 minutes every other day.

Set a deadline. Example: In a month, increase your workout time to 30 minutes; in 2 months, increase your workout sessions to daily.

To stay motivated? Recall the benefits of exercise that are most significant to you, like more stamina or weight control. To prevent relapse, imagine the unwanted behavior – not exercising – and picture all the negative results that might result.

If relapse occurs? Sometimes things will interfere – work, family, illness, travel. Well, you can always start again because exercise is a lifetime pursuit. So get yourself a plan and get to it!

Winter Exercise Tips: One way to avoid sinking into winter inactivity is to launch your own indoor exercise program. This can be a great time to join a nearby gym or health club. If you venture outdoors in very cold weather, remember: • Use footwear with good gripping soles to prevent slipping and falling in rain, ice or snow. • If you enjoy an evening walk, jog or bike ride, put reflective patches on your clothing (and bike) so drivers can steer clear of you after the sun sets. • Start your exercise routine with an indoor warm-up – at least 5 minutes before you head outside.

SOURCE: Personal Best Publications