Studies have shown that 50% of people will leave an exercise program after 6 months. Improve your chances of sticking with a program by trying the following steps:
1. Write out behavioral goals. A behavioral goal, for example would be exercising at the same time 4 days/week. Try not to get to specific in your goals if you are just starting an exercise program or just coming back to one. Take "baby-steps". Just getting to the gym, track, wilderness, yoga mat etc is the hardest part. Once you are there you will likely get your work-out in and enjoy it.
2. Don't get bored. Switch up your routing every few weeks. You know you are bored when you absolutely dread doing the activity. Try the gym one day, then a state-park hike the next day, a yoga class on another day, yard work the next. Keep it interesting.
3. Don't beat yourself up. So you miss a work-out...don't make it a big deal. Worse things are happening in this world. Instead, realize everyday is a new day to get back into the program. It will happen, so don't sweat it if you miss a day here and there.
4. Use some Social Support. It can sometimes be more effective to work-out with a friend and have someone to talk to while exercising. If it is a nice day, and you enjoy talking on the phone, make that call while walking, you will be shocked how fast the time goes, just make sure not to get hit by a car.
5. Have Fun. Find activities you enjoy and if you do dread exercie get some good music or a book on tape to listen to while exercising.
This is the opinion of Jonathan Felsen BS,NCLMBT and should not replace the advice of a medical physician.
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the music helps me a lot! I have a little ipod shuffle and I can't exercise without it. I also like reading while on the treadmill. It makes the time go by a lot faster.
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