Exercise programs vary depending on your current activity level and fitness goals. It’s very important that you pay attention to your body especially if you have previous injuries or problematic areas. Knowledge is power. Do your homework before beginning a new exercise routine.
- Check with your doctor – Normally people are motivated to start exercising after instructions from their doctor but for those who have not consulted with a doctor it might be a good idea especially if you have health issues that need to be closely monitored.
- Set short term realistic goals first – Many get discouraged by the bigger picture, the long term goal, and the time it will take to see results BUT setting short term attainable goals might keep you on target and motivated. A short term goal could be something like walking a mile every day after work or jogging 5 miles a week. As you progress, your goals will change as you challenge yourself to do better, to go longer and to be stronger. If you remain consistent with your program, after a few months you will get closer to that long term goal. Baby steps go a long way.
- Be consistent – Make it a habit. Old habits die hard so it will take some mental work on your part to unlearn bad habits but the reward is so worth the sacrifice. If you remain consistent, you will see results and you will be more inclined to stick to your program.
- Connect with a support group – There are people just like you who are also going through the struggles of staying fit all while trying to balance work and family. Surround yourself with those people if you need extra motivation and support. You can find plenty of virtual support groups on social media like Facebook.
- Check that mindset – You’ll be surprised to know how many people fail to complete an exercise program or even get started, not because of their physical capabilities, but because of their mindset. Negative self-talk like “you can’t do it” or “you’re not good enough” can create havoc in your mind and pour into other areas of your life like your health and fitness goals. Empower yourself by changing the way you talk to yourself. I always tell my clients that fitness is more about your mind than it is about your body.
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