New Year, Fresh Start
By Cheryl Getz, Fitness Supervisor and Certified Personal Trainer
If you don’t already have an exercise program established, the beginning of a new year is a perfect time to incorporate one! Starting an exercise program is easy; sticking with it is the hard part. Many factors play into the reasons why individuals fall out of their exercise routines. Work, family life, and boredom are just some examples. Below are some great ways to stay motivated to keep going to the gym.
Get it on the calendar. Whether you use the old method of a written day-to-day planner or you use an electronic calendar, make sure you pencil it in 3 days during each week. This ensures that you have made exercise a part of your daily routine for that day. Stick to your schedule!
Prepare your gym bag the night before. By doing this, you have already committed to the fact that you will be going to the gym the next day to get your exercise in. There is no having to think about it in the morning.
No excuses!
Schedule some time with a trainer. There should be trainers at any reputable gym/wellness center or health club. It is of great importance to make an appointment with a certified professional. This will ensure you are doing the exercises correctly and using the appropriate machines, considering your health conditions and exercise abilities. Most facilities offer at least one free appointment with a trainer to get started.
Add variety to your workout sessions. By incorporating cardiovascular and strength machines, swimming (if there is a pool), and taking classes, you have a much greater chance of challenging your body and staying committed to an exercise program. Cross-training has proven to be effective in helping you reach your goals. Don’t be afraid to try something new!
Take exercise classes. It has been shown time and time again that by participating in group exercise classes keeps individuals highly motivated. Not only do the instructors vary the routines to keep the workouts fun and challenging, but participants also develop friendships with others in the class. They enjoy seeing each other and feel accountable to one another.