Increase Your Success: Stick to Your Exercise Program by 700%

This Blog post today was guest blogged by My friend
Rick Kaselj, Registered Kinesiologist and ACE Certified Personal Trainer with a passion for health,fitness, rehabilitation and sport.

If you plan to start an exercise program or have recently started an exercise check out his great blog and sign up for his free report on back health.
www.HealingThroughMovement


If you plan to start an exercise program or have recently started an exercise
program, increase your odds of sticking to that exercise program by following
these 7 tips.

1. What Drives You To Exercise – You need to find your motivation to
   exercise. Some people exercise because of the way it makes them look and
   feel, or because it allows them to eat guilt-free. Perhaps exercise gives you
   the strength to play with your grandchildren, improves your golf game or helps
   you reach your goal of completing a half marathon. Find the main thing that drives you to exercise day in
   and day out.
   
2. Start Small – Many people commit to too much change at the start. Many begin with the goal of exercising
   five times a week for one hour each time. Start with what you can commit to - for example, exercising three
   times a week for 10 minutes each time. After you have done this for two weeks, increase the time you
   exercise to 15 minutes and keep increasing the time every two weeks.
   
3. Short Term Goals – Set goals that are attainable and only a week or two weeks into the future. If your long
   term goal it to lose 20 lbs, plan realistic and achievable short term goals. For week one, plan to lose 1 pound
   by exercising 3 times a week and bringing fruit to work as snacks. You know what your long term goal is. If
   you create smaller short term goals that are only one to two weeks away, they will lead the way to your
   ultimate goal!
   
4. Don’t Do It Alone – Commitments made by a group are often stronger than those made individually. Ask
   your family and friends what their exercise goals are and see if they match yours If they don’t, look to your
   local community or fitness centre for a club or group of people who share your exercise goals. The power of
   numbers will help you stick with your exercise program.
   
5. Support of Family & Friends – Often friends and family are the ones that you turn to when in crisis, but
   support from family and friends shouldn’t be underestimated in helping you reach your exercise goals.
   Unconditional support and encouragement can be the key to helping you stick to your program. Let your
   friends and family know what you are doing and let them know how they can help.
   
6. Keep A Record– Writing down what you have done is a form of positive feedback. It will provide a record of
   how much you have done and how far you have come. Before the start of your next exercise session,
   remember to bring a pen and paper and keep track of everything
   you do.
   
7. Routine – We develop systems for other areas of our lives, such
   as when we get ready for work and how we get there. Do the
   same for your exercise program. Make it as convenient and easy
   for you to get to the fitness centre as to the office. Go to the fitness
   centre at the same time every day. A routine will make it easier for
   you to stick to your exercise program. Find the time that works
   best for you and stick to it!
   If you are starting an exercise program or have just started an
   exercise program, these simple tips will help increase your odds of
   sticking to it and reaching your fitness goals.