MOTIVATION + DIRECTION = EXERCISE PLAN!

It’s difficult to get started when you are on your own. What’s the best place to start? You are here because you have found the first ingredient: MOTIVATION! Now that you have the motivation, pair that with DIRECTION and you have: AN EXERCISE PLAN!
So what’s the best place to start? You need to determine not “if” fitness fits into your schedule but “how” it fits in. It’s no big mystery, we all have those days that we don’t feel that great, things just aren’t going our way. You are going to have these no matter what your lifestyle. A fitness routine is an opportunity to set goals oustside your daily routine and create a new segment of your life.

The Gym:
There has always and will always be certain stigma attached to “going to the gym”. However, gyms have transformed themselves into “fitness centers” not only through their core values and offerings but through their programs and results driven philosophies. Things to consider about fitness centers.

  • Programs Offered: Variety and times of day offered – how does their schedule fit into your schedule.
  • Hours Of Operation: When are they open, when are they closed, this is an easy one.
  • Amenities Included: There may be programs that are out of reach based on your budget, find out up-front
  • Childcare: Most non-active people blame their kids – shame on you….Most fitness centers offer great childcare to help you.
  • Location: When are you going to workout? What is the location in relation to work, home, school or your travel routes?
  • Membership Fees: Make sure you understand the terms, read the paperwork, you have probably gotten pretty good at sitting around and reading anyway, what’s stopping you now?

Fitness At Home:

Fitness at home is a great, lower cost solution – IF YOU CAN STICK TO YOUR PLAN. We’ve seen it a million times, good intentions turn into couch time with a sack of potato chips. It’s not your fault, it’s human nature. The fact is, unless the entire family gets involved, you are probably looking at failure for your routine. Why do you think there are so many “home gyms” and “treadmills” in the Sunday paper? It’s the cycle of motivation meets your real life. We’ve found that workouts at home often to be much less intense than focused, targeted workouts that have a purpose and are result oriented. Here are the home fitness pitfalls:

  • Initial Investment in some type of equipment. If may be that what you have chosen does not speak to you!
  • Plateau Effect: Doing the same thing over and over only works so long, you have to confuse your body, tougher to do.