7 Tips to Create an Exercise Plan

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We all know the best way to lose weight and live healthy is to have a good diet and exercise regularly.

Creating an exercise plan that you can live with seems to be a difficult task for a lot of people.

So, I’ve put together …
7 tips to help you create an exercise plan you can stick with.

1. Be Realistic - Deciding to create an exercise plan is great - but let’s be realistic. If you’re not a runner and try to run a mile or two every day - you’ll probably forego your routine for just about anything.

2. Begin Slow - You should start small and make gradual increases to your exercise plan. Start by working out 30 minutes a day, three days a week. Once you’ve stuck to that for a few weeks, then start working out for longer periods, harder workouts, or more days. Sure, your progress may be slower to start with, but you’re more likely to actually continue with your exercise plan.

3. Have Fun! - Who ever said exercise ahs to be boring? Sure, treadmills and stair machines are great ways to burn calories fast - They’re also great ways to get bored and make excuses to skip your workout. (I love the epilictic while llistening to my IPOD. Try new things till you find something you like - A walk through the park might be your thing, remember If you’re having fun you’re much more likely to keep working out.

4. Reward Yourself - Develop a reward system for yourself, i.e. “if I stick to my workouts for two months, I can buy …” Is there a great new outfit you want, or an electronic device you just can’t live without? You can set both long term and short term rewards. Maybe you can reward yourself with a movie or a new CD for each week you follow your exercise plan. If you find you’re rewarding yourself without achieving your goals, get someone you can depend on to hold you accountable.

5. Find a Buddy - It’s a proven fact that people who work out with a buddy are more likely to stick with an exercise plan. Your more likely to stick to your plan after a hard day if you have a workout date set up. You’d feel bead for cancelling it. You also have the benefit of a voice of encouragement pushing you along. Lastly, having someone there to talk to will make the time fly by faster and you’ll get bored less quickly.

6: Mix it up - Getting bored is probably the number one reason why people abadon their well thought out exercise plans. You’re less likely to get bored when you vary your exercise plan. As an added bonus byy mixing it up, and consistently doing variousl activities, you’ll have more fun.

7. Get a personal trainer - Paying someone to help you reach your physical goals is a great idea! 1. They hold you accountable; 2. They encourage and motivate you; 3. They help you stay on track.

To save money on a personal trainer Check out www.iTRAIN.com for custom-built workouts that you can download to your mp3 player, your computer or burn a CD with! With over 200 programs to download you’ll never get bored.

Being healthy isn’t easy; and it will take a little time, but if you find a workout plan that works for you, you’re well on your way to a healthy, fit new you. What are you waiting for? Create the exercise plan you can live with - today!

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