Health First - Developing Your Personal Fitness Plan

Why is it so easy to become an exercise dropout when fitness offers such wonderful health benefits? Perhaps a personal fitness plan is missing. First, let's do an attitude check. Are negative feelings associated with exercise? Do shame, embarrassment, or guilt prevent you from starting or staying with a fitness program? Does exercise feel like a chore? Are you too busy to exercise? Do you feel guilty when you do not exercise? One activity may be pleasurable to one person and grueling to another. Substantial health benefits can be gained simply by fitting moderate amounts of physical activity into your days. Traditional health club activities are one way to get moving. Playful and task-oriented activities are also a fun way to add exercise. Do them whenever you can.

Develop a fitness plan that fits with your needs and interests. You may want to get help with your plan from a trainer or sports doctor. Make it enjoyable and part of your lifestyle. Do not use exercise as a quick fix. Allow it to nurture your body, not punish it. Give your body what it needs to be healthy and strong. Measure and reward your effort.

FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO CHANGE YOUR APPROACH TO FOOD AND EXERCISE:

set realistic short and long-term goals
focus on your progress, not the end result
let go of old patterns and habits that do not work
gauge your progress by the healthful habits you are adopting rather than by the numbers on the scale
identify the emotions and stressors that cause negative behaviours such as eating when you are not hungry
stop the "should do's" and do what is right for you
think positive thoughts about yourself like "I can," "I am," "I will"
make healthy food choices, eat lots of vegetables and grains and
make exercise part of your life, not just a way to lose weight