Sticking to an exercise plan
As anyone who has embarked on a new fitness regimen will tell you, developing
a plan is one thing, while sticking to it is another. Dr. Randy Bonnette,
chair of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Department of
Kinesiology, offers some practical advice on how to make sure you don’t
fall off your workout wagon.
- Get a workout partner. We can rationalize our way out of working out,
but if your partner is at the door or waiting for you at the gym, it
is hard to not go. Obviously, this works both ways, plus you have someone
to encourage you while you are working out. This is also true with your
diets. Partners are always checking on each other, making it more difficult
to cheat and improving accountability.
- Involve your family. A family member can be a good workout partner
or simply someone with whom you can share your progress, which also helps
with accountability.
- Join a fitness club. Provided you use it, a gym membership can help
keep you on track.
- Create a time budget. Literally plan out your week and put your workouts
on the plan.
- Set long- and short-term goals. If you don’t, it is easier to
rationalize not working out. If missing workouts will interfere with
goals you are trying to meet for summer vacation, you are less likely
to miss.
- Tell people about your fitness goals and what you are doing to achieve
them. Telling people creates more accountability. If you quit for a few
days and someone asks you how your workouts are coming, you either have
to lie or own up to it.
- Change your routine about every two weeks, or everyday for that matter.
The changes don’t have to be drastic. For example, if you are a
walker, go a different route or change the pace. Walk faster for 50 yards,
and then slow down to catch your breath. Repeat. These are known as intervals.
- Be patient and pace yourself. You didn't get this way overnight, and
you won't change overnight. Your body has to have time to respond to
new stress.
This information is provided as a service by Texas A&M University-Corpus
Christi’s Department of Kinesiology. If you have questions or would
like more information, talk to your physician.
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array
of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is
provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M
System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.
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