[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hether you want to lose weight, get in shape or spend more time moving and less time sitting in front of a computer screen, you are determined to start an exercise plan. The trouble is, you have been down this path before. Like many people, you always start a new fitness regime with a lot of enthusiasm only to abandon it a couple of weeks later.
But it is more than possible to adopt a fitness plan that you will stick to and succeed with. You simply need the right tools and motivation. Consider the following suggestions:
Write Down Specific Goals
Rather than tell yourself “I want to get back into shape” or “I really need to exercise more,” write down goals that are more specific. Seeing things like “I will go to the gym three times a week” or “I will walk for 30 minutes, five times a week” on paper will make you more likely to stick with your fitness plan.
Get a User-Friendly Tracking System
Invest in a quick and easy-to-use native health tracking system to make it as easy as possible. A great example is S Health, which acts as a personal coach, trainer and assistant. Samsung smartphones like the Galaxy S7 feature the S Health app, which tracks your different exercises like walking, running, biking or shooting hoops with the kids. You also can use the S Health as a pedometer, which gives you tangible evidence of how many steps you take on a given day.
Choose Exercises You Enjoy
If you have ever wondered how other people stick to their exercise routines, the answer is that they truly enjoy them. Rather than struggling through a workout that you feel you should do, choose something you like. So what if running is an effective calorie burner? If it makes your knees hurt and you dread putting on your running shoes, chances are you won’t do it. Instead, think about what types of movements bring you joy. These could be swimming laps in the neighborhood pool, going on a hike with your dog, taking tennis lessons or signing up for a Zumba class.
Make Time to Exercise
To work out consistently, you have to find time in your busy schedule to do it. You also have to take into account when your energy is the highest. If you think you’ll hit the gym after work every day but then skip working out because you are tired after being at the office for 9 hours, it might be a better idea to get up 30 minutes earlier and head to the gym first thing. The same is true if you’re a night owl. While you don’t want to crank out 45 minutes on an elliptical machine right before bedtime because it might prevent you from falling asleep, if your energy peaks after dinner, use it to your fitness advantage.
Think Small
Rather than decide to work out for an hour a day, seven days a week, start small with a goal of three 20-minute exercise sessions a week. If you keep things short and sweet at first, you will be more likely to stick to your new exercise program and increase your goals over time.
