Before you start on a new fitness program, it's a good idea to be prepared. If you have any kind of medical issue or diagnosis that may interfere with your exercise plans, discuss your intentions with your health care provider. A number of tips may help you develop the type of exercise regimen that best suits your personality, and stick to a workout routine once you've started. Be prepared for some ups and downs, but stick to your goals and achieve the results you're looking for.
Start Slow
If you're new to exercise, don't start off your new routine by trying to run 3 miles. Start the exercise program slowly, according to your own fitness level and physical abilities, suggests Disabled World. Begin with exercises that take about 15 to 20 minutes, gradually and slowly increasing your exercise time as you grow stronger and your stamina increases. Try starting a workout routine three to five days a week, adding more days later. The key is not to overdo when starting out, which helps prevent disappointment, boredom, sore muscles and delays in your long-term exercise plans.
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to what your body is telling you. For example, you should be exerting yourself, but not to the point where you feel sick or can't catch your breath. Try to reach between 75 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate, advises Disabled World. There are several ways to determine your maximum heart rate, but one of the easiest is to subtract your age from 220. So, if you're 45 years old, your maximum heart rate should be around 175 beats per minute.
Set Goals
Determine why you want to exercise and get fit, suggests certified personal trainer Joni Hyde writing for BestStuff.com. If you're trying to lose weight, set weight loss increments of 5 to 10 lbs. at a time to help you stay motivated. If you're trying to get fit to reduce your cholesterol or to strengthen your heart, track your blood pressure or set goals for lowering your cholesterol levels with the help of your doctor. Whatever your reason for losing weight or getting fit, write it down and keep it visible for motivation.
Motivation
Find a way to keep yourself motivated, advises the Mayo Clinic. For example, make your exercise routines fun. Engage in activities, sports or events that you enjoy and you'll be more likely to continue with an active lifestyle. Another suggestion for staying motivated is to schedule your workouts for a certain time of day or evening so you don't start making excuses for not having enough time for them. Track your progress in a journal, spreadsheet or online so you can see achievements in measurements or weight loss. When you reach a milestone, don't forget to reward yourself.
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