Exerciseis promoted as helping most people lose excess weight, lower elevated cholesterol levels, lower high blood pressure, cope with stress, having clothes fit better and to promote living a more energized lifestyle. All these reasons behind exercise have merit; making exercise one of your first choices for making long term lifestyle changes.
Taking on a rigorous exercise program when you are in less than optimal health may lead to more problems than benefits. It is recommended by most fitness trainers that you speak with your family doctor before undertaking a strenuous exercise program. Speak with your physician so they can discuss with you your health goals. They can then advise you on the exercise that is best suited to your needs. Remember, your objective is get healthier, stay healthy and live a long and productive life.
Some of the things you may consider before starting any exercise program can include points from the following list; but is not limited to these points of thought. You can add your own or talk with professional exercise experts in your local area.
Consider:
1. Your age ? exercises that were easy when you were younger may not be appropriate for you to do now.
2. Your daily routine ? living a full lifestyle may mean that you have irregular hours in which to fit an exercise program. Enlist the help of family members and friends so that you can take advantage of free time in which to schedule your exercises.
3. Your finances ? not everyone needs nor can afford a personal trainer. Seek out qualified trainers at local, well-established gymnasiums. Sometimes you may make up a small group with similar exercise goals as yourself ? sharing the cost may be a workable solution to having the expertise of a personal trainer available to you.
4. What works for you ? if you are not a 'group' person, then it may be best for you to have a personal trainer come to your home and give you the program, the ongoing support and encouragement you will need to do the exercise on a continuing basis. If you can focus on doing your exercise program without getting caught up in conversations, then join a class (aerobics or strength training) .
5. Your attitude ? if an exercise program is not taken on with a can-do attitude and for personal changes, you may be setting yourself up for failure. It is best if you believe in the reasons behind your exercise program. The more you can identify with the exercises and the results you will attain, the more likely you will be to stick to the routines. If you are having trouble sticking with your exercise program, the MayoClinic has some great tips on staying motivated.
Another helpful article to read when you have reached an exercising plateau is entitled Stick With Your Exercise Program.
For all your efforts, small or big, remember to have fun with your exercise program. Shake it up a bit by adding in variety of exercises so that you stay motivated for the entire length of the program. Keep a record of your accomplishments ? if you made it through a set of repetitions, then mark it down so you track your progress. Remember to celebrate your successes and to forgive yourself when you stumble. It's a journey. Enjoy the path you have chosen. Live well. Live long.
Janet Chesal is an internet marketing specialist and a neurolinguistic program master practitioner. She is, along with her husband Carl, the co-owner of Bizfare Enterprise Inc. (http://www.bizfare.ca) an internet and business marketing and consulting service. She also co-owns a number of e-commerce web-sites: CoolComfortWear (http://www.coolcomfortwear.com) and MyLeatherExpressions (http://www.myleatherexpressions.com) that sell clothing and custom made leather goods respectively | |
