Tips to help you stick with your exercise program

Q: I have no problem with starting an exercise program, but I usually stop after just a few months. It seems that as soon as I begin to see a little progress, I let outside distractions lure me away from exercise. Are there any tips that can help keep me committed to my exercise routine?

A: You’re not alone. Many people start out with best of intentions yet end up straying from their fitness routines. There is no one tip, suggestion or method that can solve all of your fitness challenges, but a combination of planning and lifestyle modifications will help.

The challenge of sticking with an exercise program can seem overwhelming. Exercise should be used to help lessen stress, not heighten it, making it imperative to develop strategies to ensure positive long-term lifestyle habits. Begin by using the list below to develop strategies that will work for you.

• Set realistic and measurable goals. Instead of “exercise three days a week,” a goal such as “walk 4 miles, three days a week” can help you acknowledge when you have reached it.

• Develop a plan. Once you’ve set a goal, design a plan that will help you achieve it. If your goal is to “walk 4 miles, three days a week,” you’ll need to know how much time it will take to walk 4 miles, and if you will walk indoors at the gym, outside with a friend or at home on a treadmill. Also, you’ll need to evaluate your personal, family and business schedule to make space to allow you to reach your goal.

• Avoid overprogramming. Many exercisers sabotage their ability to consistently stick with a fitness program by overloading their workout. Your exercise program should be designed to reach your fitness goals over a period of time. Programming your workout routine with every exercise known to mankind will not get you results any faster, but it WILL lead to overtraining, boredom and burnout.

• Invest in yourself by consulting a fitness professional, who can help you develop an exercise program designed to safely give you the results you want. He or she can also help you stay accountable and teach you how your body responds to exercise and the steps necessary to make it part of your lifestyle.

• Finally, have FUN! If you don’t enjoy your exercise routine, you’re not going to stay committed to completing it. You may be able to hang in there for several weeks, but as soon as something more exciting comes along, exercise is put on the back burner.

Think outside the box to find activities that can add variety to your basic exercise routine and keep you strong, full of energy and fit, then commit to making them a part of your life. It is important to complete strength and cardiovascular training, flexibility and balance exercises within your fitness routine. Taking part in activities such as dancing, cycling or tennis can help you see the progress from your workouts through your progress in those activities.