If you are attempting to fight fat, it is
simply not enough to begin an exercise program.
You must also be able to stick with it.
This can be challenging, especially if you have spent most of your life
as a couch potato. You may find exercise
to be boring or a chore. And you may be
wondering whether your exercise program is really worth the effort.
It should be noted that the key to a successful exercise program is
perseverance. This means that you need
to commit to it for the long haul—in fact, it is best if you commit to it for
the rest of your life. Certainly, it can
be difficult at times. But in the end,
it is well worth the effort you exert.
Staying motivated may begin with having a tangible goal. For instance, if you are basically inactive
when you start your program, you should aim to burn off 500 calories a
week. If you are fairly active when you
start exercising, your goal should be 1,000 calories. But you must also have a long-term goal. This might be doubling the amount of calories
you burn within six months of commencing your exercise program.
You might consider starting an exercise log. Here, you will record exactly what kind of
aerobic, anaerobic, and stretching exercises you do each week. Be sure to include the number of repetitions
you’re performing with each exercise.
This way, you’ll have a concrete chart for your progress. Seeing how well you’re doing can be truly
inspiring and can keep you going when you find it difficult to go on.
Another effective motivational strategy is to join a group that engages
in some kind of exercise. For instance,
you might become a mall-walker or you might find a local square dance club to
join. Other possibilities include hiking
groups, golfing groups, softball teams, or even ping-pong teams. The fact that you are part of a social
network will help to keep you motivated.
You might try psyching yourself out by using a computer screensaver
which says, “Get moving.” Or you might
post a “get moving” sign on your refrigerator.
In other words, you should be constantly reminded of the value of
exercise. You might also invest in home
exercise equipment such as a treadmill, elliptical trainer, or free
weights. The amount of money you spend
could be a powerful incentive for making sure that you use the equipment on a
regular basis. You should also place the equipment in a
prominent place so that you have to pass it often. After a while, you’ll find no excuse not to
exercise.
You might also consider investing in exercise videos or DVDs. These allow you the convenience of exercising
in the privacy of your own home. They
can also give you an electronic “exercise buddy” who can help keep you inspired
even on rainy days when you don’t feel like exercising at all.
Another effective idea is to place your athletic shoes near the door so
that you are reminded of the need to walk rather than drive. You might also consider rewarding yourself
for keeping with your exercise program.
Your reward could be as elaborate as a cruise or as small as a treat
from the dollar store. The idea is to
make sure that your accomplishment is celebrated.
While we’re on the topic of celebration, seriously consider throwing a
party once you’ve reached an exercise milestone. You can serve nutritious snacks and beverages
and even encourage your guests to come in their athletic wear in order to build
upon the party’s theme. Sharing your joy
can help to motivate you to continue your physical activities.
It should be said that there is no right way to exercise. But you do need to make sure that whatever
you do is effective and that you’re sufficiently motivated to do it. By following just a few simple tips, you can
ensure that your exercise routine is not just a fad, that it will continue over
the long term. Remember that you may
face setbacks from time to time, but that shouldn’t stop you from continuing to
try to reach your exercise goals.
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