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How to stick with an exercise program

Behavioral change requires sustained effort and commitment. Change is also typically accompanied by physical discomfort. For example, trying to exercise too much to hard, results in soreness, injury, and fatigue. Then forcing yourself to get off your cozy chair to exercise is difficult when you're tired and sore. All of the above can cause you to procrastinate until tomorrow, and before you know it you have abandoned your efforts altogether.

Solution:
Realize and accept that change takes time and hard work. There are no quick fixes. A healthy lifestyle is a lifetime commitment not something you do for just 6-8 weeks and then stop. Those fad diets and workout routines may work initially but they do not teach healthy skills that lead to a lifetime of good habits.
Be realistic. The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to never eat your favorite desserts again could be a bad choice. Or, if you have not been exercising at all, deciding to all of a sudden work out for 1 hour everyday is too much to start with. Strive for a goal that is attainable.
Make small or short-term goals so you will see results sooner. There is nothing more motivating then reaching our goals. If you want to loose 30 pounds, break it up into smaller goals such as, each month I will loose 6 pounds. This is a very achievable goal and when you see that you have lost the 6 pounds, it will motivate you to continue. If instead you just set a goal of loosing 50 pounds, it will take time to achieve this, and many people get discouraged and give up.
If you want to start exercising, start with just 2-3 days per week for 20 to 30 minutes. This is a plan most people can stick with. Then slowly add more days and time as your body adapts to the routine.

Other helpful hints:
1)Outline your plan. Write out the exact steps you will take to reach your goals. Also decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip the exercise class. This could include calling on a friend for help, joining a group, or practicing positive thinking and self-talk.

2)Talk about it. Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members
who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better. The best
case scenario is to find yourself a buddy who is also starting and exercise program so you can motivate each other. Sometimes family members are not the best ones to
support you as they may be affected by the changes you are making.
3) Reward yourself


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