subject: How to Jump Start Your Fitness Program [print this page] How to Jump Start Your Fitness Program How to Jump Start Your Fitness Program
I remember all of the times I bought a gym membership, picked up a new workout DVD, or purchased the latest fitness infomercial product. Each time, I swore I was going to finally start working out consistently, and get in shape once and for all. Similarly, I would make it through one workout with each of my shiny new products, only to let it sit in the corner, collecting dust or become totally unused. It wasn't until I learned how to jump start my fitness program that I finally was able to make it a part of my life-for good. There are several key components to making this happen.
Plan Ahead
How many times have you had every intention of waking up early to work out before heading to work, only to run out of time and have to promise yourself you would do it after work instead? Doesn't usually turn out the way we think it will. We find ourselves famished after a long day of work, so we head home to make dinner and that elusive idea of working out fades away. This is primarily due to lack of preparation, not bad intentions. To plan ahead, take a look at your planner on Sunday night, and decide which days you can work out, and at what time. If you will be doing a morning workout, have your gym bag ready to go the night before, or clothes laid out if you are working out at home. An after-work workout will require a good quality snack to be packed and brought with you to work. Let any family members know your plans so they can start dinner without you or make other arrangements. This is your time-treasure and protect it at all costs.
Accountability
This may not be required for the rest of your life, but in the beginning, having someone hold you accountable is essential. When getting into a fitness program, it is so easy to talk ourselves out of working out or pushing hard. Our motivation is a bit weak at this point, so get some help. Your best options are going to be a personal trainer or a good friend. The most effective decision I ever made was to work with my personal trainer, Dana. She helped me learn how to incorporate weight training along with my intense running and cycling schedule. A good friend can be just as beneficial-as long as they are right on board with your goals, or are already consistently working out. Be wary of your friends who aren't quite ready yet-they will talk you right out of it! Having accountability will ensure you stick to your scheduled workouts and overcome any obstacles that may come your way.
Variety
When I work with clients and we begin discussing exercise, many of them will say things such as, "Ugh, I hate running!" I am always surprised to find that they tried one way of exercising, didn't like it, and wrote off exercise forever. There are SO many different styles of exercises, sports, and group exercise classes these days; I don't think it is even possible to run out of ideas any more. Try different things until you find out what you like, and bring a friend to make it even more fun! At a minimum, change up your fitness program every four weeks, and even sooner than that if you need more variety. I rarely do the same thing twice-that's just my style. Find out yours.
Learning how to jump start your fitness program is a lot easier than you think. Make sure you plan ahead, have someone who can hold you accountable, and incorporate variety to keep things interesting. Not only will you be able to stick with your fitness program, but you will find yourself having fun, getting more fit, and finally reaching your goals.
