Making Your Personal Exercise Plan Last
We have all made plans to get fit and not followed through. The New Year is upon us and many will make New Year’s resolutions involving weight loss or fitness. Unfortunately, statistics show that many of those New Year’s resolutions won’t last. Making a lifestyle change involves more than the initial motivation and excitement. In order to make a personal exercise plan that will stand the test of time you must be realistic and realize that results and change take time and persistence.
Don’t make a personal exercise plan that is unrealistic for your life or schedule. When we initially begin a new personal exercise plan, we are often ambitious in how many hours a day we can dedicate to it. Sure, in the beginning two hours a day may seem doable, and you might actually keep it up for a week or two. But the reality is that time frame is just not sustainable. When you set your goals, keep them realistic and think far ahead. Realize that your excitement over the new program will probably not last.
Make your plan a priority. A personal exercise plan that stands the test of time is one that you can be accountable for. There will inevitably be days where you don’t want to exercise, where the last thing on your mind is getting fit or active. On those days your resolve is truly tested. Making certain that your personal exercise plan is a mandatory part of your day and not an option can help you see it as something that can’t be neglected.
Write down your goals and progress. Being accountable to yourself is a great way to stay on track with your personal exercise plan. When you see your goals and your progress in black and white, it is cemented not only in your mind but also in a tangible way. Being able to see those first few inches come off (or on, depending on your goals) can be a great motivator.
Keep in mind your personal exercise plan is about being healthier. When you focus too narrowly on goals like “lose ten pounds”, you see a personal exercise plan as a temporary thing. Focusing on your total body health and wellness allows you to see fitness as a lifelong goal.
