Tipping The Scales In Your Favor

Planning a fitness program is like planning a meal: if you don't enjoy it, you won't be back for more. Look forward to exercising; it's a great time for unwinding and relaxing -- in addition to controlling weight. And remember these three key points: you've got to like it, do it, and make it a habit!

1. To pick an activity you'll stick with, think about your daily schedule:

  • what time does your day begin?
  • when do you eat meals?
  • are you a moming person or do you get a second wind at the end of the day?
  • do you prefer to be alone and use exercise time as your private time to "think" and unwind? (consider swimming / walking / jogging)
  • or do you prefer the company of others (try a gym class / health club / music exercise group)
  • would you feel more motivated to exercise regularly with professional supervisors around? (aerobics/fitness instructor)

    2. If you consider membership in a health or fitness club, make sure it's easy to get to; also check on the club's days and hours for availability; if its schedule doesn't meet your needs, look elsewhere.

    3. What's the weather like where you live? If you love to walk, but there's snow on the ground six months a year, you may need to pick a different activity. Or you might save money and calories at the same time; walk -- don't shop -- in an indoor mall.

    4. Keep an alternate activity in mind -- just in case. If bad weather, or a club closing, keeps you from doing your usual exercise, have a backup activity. Switching-off is a good idea for everyone; it keeps you from getting bored with your usual routine, and it gives you a chance to work out different muscle groups.

    5. Be consistent and make the time: set a regular "exercise" time each day if you can. We all have specific times of the day planned for most activities in our daily routines -- moming wake-up time, dinner, etc. View exercise the same way.

    6. If you're purchasing exercise equipment for home use -- treadmills, stationary bicycles, weight machines, etc. -- make sure:

  • you consider all the options before you buy because these machines can be costly; some people use stationary exercise bikes; others end up using them as clothing racks
  • you try out various brands; "not all treadmills are created equal"
  • you know how to use the equipment before you leave the store
  • you consider used equipment or floor models to keep your costs down

    7. Don't overdo it! If a three mile walk is comfortable, don't go over board by doubling the distance. "Overdoing" it is a major reason people quit exercising.

    8. Stretching or warming-up before you begin any exercise is very important (it prepares your muscles, joints, heart, lungs for the "main event"). Cooling down slowly at the end of exercise is also important.

    9. Whatever you do -- do what you like!

    10. DON'T MAKE EXCUSES: MAKE THE TIME!!

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