Creating a Fitness Program That Sticks
The holidays are a time of friends, family, and feasting. As a result, it’s not uncommon to put on a couple of pounds during the winter!
In cold weather, it can be hard to get motivated to take a walk when it’s sleeting out! It’s never too late to start a fitness program, and customizing one to your lifestyle is your best bet at sticking with it!
Everyone’s ideal fitness program is different, as everyone has different preferences, skills, and interests.
Self-Evaluate
How much time do you have per week? Can you put time into an intensive program, or is a more casual workload a better fit?- What type of activity do you like, or want to learn?
- Consider your expenses. Do you want a gym membership? Are you looking for a personal trainer? Or are you your own coach?
- What is your current fitness level? You want to start at am activity level which is challenging yet attainable.
- What is your goal? Do you want to participate in a 5k, 10k, or marathon? Setting a goal helps many people stay motivated.
- Do you have any existing health issues? If so, you’ll need to consult your doctor before you begin a new routine.
Choose an Activity
Choosing your workout activity (or activities) is one of the most important things to consider when building a new routine.
- You generally want to pick an activity you like. When you enjoy your chosen exercise, it’s much easier to get back out onto the trail or into the gym!
- Choose something that’s convenient for your lifestyle. By minimizing the change in your daily routine, it will be easier to integrate your new workout into your day.
- If you can, recruit a friend! Friends can help keep each other challenged and inspired to get to that next level.
Starting Out
It’s said that the first step is always the hardest. This is especially true when starting a new workout 
routine.
- Set reasonable goals, especially for your first few weeks. That way, you won’t feel discouraged for not attaining something unlikely for a new routine.
- Just like you might set aside time for a 7pm sitcom, set aside time for your workout. That way, it has its own slot and won’t be pushed out by other obligations.
- Working out – especially if it’s been a while – can cause sore or achy muscles which may make moving a challenge for a day or two! While sometimes inconvenient or uncomfortable, this is completely normal and not a reason to quit!
- Keep a fitness journal. You may not feel like you’re making progress, but you are! Your fitness journal is a great way to track your progress and serve as a reminder that you’re on the way to your goal!
- Even if you’re not ‘feeling it’, reinforcing your routine will make it easier over time. Eventually it will become a normal part of your day!
Roadblocks
As if sticking to a workout routine wasn’t enough of a challenge, life has a way of putting roadblocks in your path to personal fitness. Injury, bad weather, and vacations are just a few of the many possibilities!
Sometimes, it may seem like there’s just not enough time in the day to work out. Remember that it doesn’t hurt to edit your routine. Modifying your goal is better than giving it up entirely!
Florida winters usually aren’t too cold. Summers, however, can be brutally hot, making outdoor exercise uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. It may be a good idea to have a backup workout plan such as an indoor routine, or a membership to a local pool or club, to stay cool during summer exercises.
Last but not least – don’t give up! Personal fitness can be a journey, but it’s worthwhile to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol down, improve your confidence and health, and reduce your risk factors for many types of diseases.
Weight Loss Experts at Florida Medical Clinic
If you’re the type who thrives with fitness advice, or simply aren’t sure where to start, then let Florida Medical Clinic’s Weight Loss Services help!
Our weight loss program is tailored to every individual patient’s needs. We offer comprehensive nutritional advice, assessment and planning, and counseling services.