FIRST
Find an exercise program you enjoy. If you like the exercise you choose,
chances are you're going to want to stick with it.
SECOND
Find something that fits your lifestyle. For example, find something that
doesn't require you to go to the mountains to hike, or require special
equipment that you don't have or can't afford.
THIRD
Make an appointment with yourself to exercise so there's ALWAYS time that's
scheduled in. Without that reminder, it's easy to run out of time or rationalize
you don't have enough time to exercise.
FOURTH
Psych yourself up. You have to recognize the benefits of exercise. By
doing something you like to do and getting into the habit of doing it,
you'll start to quickly see and feel results. You'll feel better, develop
pride when you finish your workout, and maybe even reduce any stress you
may have. After a short while you may notice you've gotten stronger or
lost some weight. Use these improvements, really focusing on how they
make you feel, to help reinforce your positive mental attitude for exercise.
FIFTH
Morning is a great time to exercise. It helps get your day started plus
you get it done and out of the way. An added benefit is studies have shown
that fat-burning is increased if cardio is performed in the mornings on
an empty stomach.
SIXTH
Exercise at least three times a week. And try to incorporate activity
that exercises your cardiovascular system as well strengthens your muscles.
There are many cardiovascular machines available at every gym. Or, take
a quick jog or brisk walk outside (the more intense you do it, the more
fat you can burn).
There are also many recreational sports and exercise classes available
that are valuable workouts for the cardiovascular system. Finally, you
can incorporate a weight-training workout that exercises your muscles
as well as your cardiovascular system at the same time. Keep the rest
periods short and alternate between a lower body and an upper body exercise;
moving from the largest body parts to the smallest as you progress through
the workout.
SEVENTH
Consistency is the key.
Some people, when they get on a program, get fanatical for a few weeks
then stop. The key to continued success and results is to develop a habit
for exercising. At first, don't worry so much about the intensity of your
sessions. It's more important to have a moderate session and do it consistently
over a long period of time.
Write down some goals on what you want to accomplish as well as the number
of exercise sessions you want to perform every week. Then tell yourself
from the beginning you won't stop.
A good goal to shoot for is 100 exercise sessions. Why? Because studies
have shown that performing anything 100 continuous times leads to a lifelong
habit.
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