As you count down the minutes on New Year's Eve or plan for a new school term, one of your plans for your new beginning might be a new fitness program. However, the best intentions to exercise can quickly dissolve unless you create a plan that works for you. Here are some ways to create a solid exercise plan.
Look at Your Interests
What types of exercise interest you? These don't need to be the traditional forms of exercise like jogging or tennis. Perhaps you'd prefer belly dancing or circus school, or maybe hiking is more your thing. Although it is definitely possible to learn how to enjoy a form of exercise, it's easier to stick to a program if you find it energizing, relaxing, or social.
Set a Goal and Know How to Reach It
Some forms of exercise come with easy programs, like the ubiquitous Learn to Run programs. But goals don't have to involve a certain distance. Perhaps your goal is to make it to tennis with a friend once a week, to complete a new class, or to go for a hike every second weekend. Whatever your goal, making it clear to yourself and creating a plan to get there gives you an incentive to exercise.
Look at Your Budget
Taking up a new sport can be exciting, but by the time you've signed up for an expensive class, purchased the equipment, or paid the membership fee, costs can add up. If you're planning to take a class or go to a gym, check to see if there are any free passes or if you can go to a class for a week to try it out. The same goes for investing in equipment. Are you able to visit a gym or other facility to check and see if it works for you, before you make a big purchase? Choosing a sport that works for your budget is key to keeping it up over time.
Plan Your Time
If you don't have the time to fit exercise into your busy schedule, you are not going to exercise. So find ways to fit it in. Look at potential changes to your morning commute, your lunch hour, your evening time. Create a schedule that works for you and stick to that schedule. Find exercises that work into that schedule. And forgive yourself when things don't work out. You can get back on track tomorrow - just try not to use that excuse every day!
Talk to a Doctor and Trainer
Go to the professionals. Get them to do an assessment of any health concerns that might be aggravated by exercise or any health issues that could be addressed by exercise. A personal trainer can also do a body composition analysis and help you set goals for yourself.
Tricia Edgar - Tricia Edgar is a gardener, environmental educator, and science writer from the Pacific Northwest.
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