Many people to embark upon a new fitness program are doomed to fail. If inactivity has been the norm for many years, exercise may be a difficult habit to learn. There are ways to beat the odds and make a fitness program a regular habit in your life.
- Find an activity you enjoy doing.
If you have always enjoyed dancing, why not make dancing a part of our fitness program? Join a line dance class. It won't seem like work if you are having fun. - Find an activity that is convenient.
If you join a fitness club on the other side of town, you may be constantly finding excuses not to go. Why not find a club closer to home. Or at least join with a friend, and share the ride. - Find an activity that you can afford.
If finances are tight, forget the health club and start walking . Walking is an excellent exercise, is free and takes no special clothing or equipment. - Find an exercise buddy.
Having a partner to exercise with is often a great motivator. Your buddy may be able to get you moving on those days when old habits threaten to creep back into view. Make a wager with your buddy, the first one to skip a workout buys lunch. - Have a checkup .
Talk with your doctor before beginning a fitness program. A checkup can bring to light any activities or movements you should avoid. Jogging may need to be avoided if you have bad knees, for example. - Write down your goals
Print this fitness worksheet and fill it out weekly to track your progress and set goals.
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SOURCES:Agency on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Promoting Healthy Lifestyles,2004.
Updated 08/11/06
