Fit Decisions
GETTING IN SHAPE ISN’T JUST ABOUT
WORKING OUT. It’s a mental mind-set that
starts with making everyday decisions that
set you up for success.
You make dozens of fitness decisions every day that can impact your well-being. If you focus on the most important ones and strive to get them right, you’ll get into an exercise routine that becomes more automatic. It’s all about planning, prioritizing, and exercising your options.
Here are important decisions you can make now to help you get in the fitness game and stay motivated.
1. Decision: How will I make exercise a priority?
This is probably the most important fitness decision you can make because if exercise is a priority, you’ll make it happen.To-do tactic: Schedule exercise on your calendar like you do other important appointments, and make it part of your daily routine.
2. Decision: Do I have a specific, measurable, realistic exercise goal?
Having a goal, such as exercising seven days a week, is a motivating factor, but to be effective, your goals also should be realistic.To-do tactic: Instead of saying you’ll exercise every day, which may be hard to maintain, a more realistic goal might be to exercise three times a week for the next four weeks (which is specific and measurable) to reduce your stress level (which pinpoints what you really want to gain from exercise).
3. Decision: How will I track my progress?
Anything you can do to give yourself positive feedback is beneficial.To-do tactic: Keep an exercise journal and note what you do each day. Also, find an exercise partner and cheer each other on.
4. Decision: What’s my plan B?
To reach your goals, it’s important to have a backup plan.To-do tactic: When a planned workout falls through, look for opportunities during your daily routine to sneak in fitness.
5. Decision: What can I do to get back in shape?
Walking is the safest starting place. Once you’ve done that for a few weeks, consider fitness classes or recreational activities, such as golf or tennis.To-do tactic: Experiment and seek activities you enjoy. If exercise isn’t fun, the odds are you won’t stick with it.
To learn more: American Council on Exercise, www.acefitness.org
