Start (and stick to) an Exercise Program in 4 Easy Steps

Posted by Elizabeth Dowell on Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Elizabeth Dowell

blog_post_start_and_stick_to_an_exercise_program_smEveryone has a reason why they want to start an exercise program. Better health, weight loss, or just to feel your best… an exercise program is the way to get there. There are some easy ways to get started on your journey that will help you get on the right path, and stay committed to your journey.

Here’s four steps to starting any exercise program (that will also help you stick with it):

1. Set Realistic Goals

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and sculpted muscles aren’t built in a single session, either. Set realistic goals for yourself, and you will meet them. For example, if you want to lose weight, start with a smaller goal of one to two pounds per week. If you eventually want to be able to do 20 push-ups, begin with a goal to do five. When you set small goals and give yourself small rewards for your success, it will be far more motivating than failing to reach a larger goal.

2. Create New Habits

Replacing old, unhealthy habits with new, healthy habits can be done if you have the focus and commitment. Schedule your new exercise program into your calendar, and you will find that getting to the gym every day becomes a habit before you know it.

3. Keep it Interesting

An exercise program should never be boring. What interests you? Schedule your workout around fun group fitness classes, such as yoga, water workouts, or dance classes, and then don’t forget to mix it up. The more fun you have, the more likely you are to keep it up. And don’t stop with fitness classes, either. A personal trainer is a great way to learn new exercises and routines that you may have never considered before, help you break through plateaus, and will give you the confidence you may need to try something new.

4. Fuel your Progress

The food that you eat has the power to fuel your body through your workouts, and improve your health and weight. Treat your body to the food that it craves, such as whole, unprocessed foods that will energize you through your exercise program, and repair and rebuild your body after. Lean proteins, healthy carbohydrates, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will turbo-charge your workout results. When you eat the right foods before and after your workout, you will see results faster. And the faster you see results, the more motivated you will be to stay on track with your new, healthier lifestyle.

Starting a new exercise program can be easy if you just follow the steps to get you going. And once you see and feel the difference it makes, you won’t want to stop.

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Topics: Health, Fitness