Getting Started…Is easy. Being Consistent is Hard.
So often we are asked, how do I start training or an exercise regimen?
This question is often followed by some form of, “once I get started, I’ll be able to accomplish my goals”. No you won’t. Look at how crowded the gyms are in January compared to February and later in the year. If you are not working out now, it is natural to fall back into a sedentary lifestyle. You have to train yourself to do something unnatural.
We believe the problem begins with lack of goals and unrealistic expectations. Once you do that first run or workout, the second one will not be easier. In fact, it will probably be harder. If you have started and failed to maintain a consistent workout routine, this is not news. So, here a few steps to solve this.
1. What do Your Really Want to Accomplish? A bad answer is, “lose weight”. A good answer would be complete a 5K in under 50 minutes, or 40, or 30 by March 1. Or, another good answer would be have more energy to help my kids with homework for 30 minutes each night. The bottom line is if you are working out for workout’s sake, you will fail. Right down a specific goal. Share it with your spouse, child, coworker, etc. Finally, post that goal in a public place.
2. Being healthy is ultimately a lifestyle choice, not any “exercise or training” plan. Every week, we hear stories about people that have been working out for a week, or a month, or even many months, and they haven’t met their goals. Let us take that pressure off. If you choose to lead a healthy lifestyle, you choose to exercise in some every day – until you are dead.
Please give us your feedback and we hope you will share both your successes and frustrations.
