Chances are you've found the motivation to exercise – millions of
Americans do every day - whether it be health, that upcoming high-schol
reunion, or those jeans that didn't quite fit this morning. But even the best
intentions are not enough to guarantee success. Despite all the advances in
exercise equipment and training techniques, 80 percent of Americans remain
inactive. Unfortunately our firm resolutions to get in shape fail to come to
fruition for the vast majority of the population.
If your efforts to begin a fitness program have stalled out time after time,
don't lose hope. You can achieve your goal this time around, according to
fitness expert Judi Sheppard Missett, founder of Jazzercise, with the following
six sure-fire ways to start a successful fitness program:
- Select appropriate activities. Before you launch an exercise program,
Missett suggests asking yourself these questions:
- Do I prefer the solitude of exercising alone, or is companionship more
motivating?
- Am I more attracted to rhythmic endurance activities or activities which
require greater mental alertness and quick bursts of energy?
- Do I thrive on competition, or am I more attracted to workouts that promote
tranquility?
- Would I rather be indoors or outside?
- And finally, would my previous exercise experiences lead me to believe that
I will like or dislike the activity I'm considering?
Your responses should offer insight to both your exercise personality and
your psychological makeup, helping you to make an appropriate fitness choice.
Most individuals are attracted to fitness activities that "feel good"
or accommodate both their physical and emotional preferences. Most importantly,
finding your exercise niche will greatly increase your odds of success.
- Choose a qualified fitness instructor. Whether you're dancing your way
through an exercise class or learning the finer techniques of weight training,
you need proper guidance. Ask instructors if they've been certified by a
professional organization, such as the Aerobics and Fitness Association of
America, the American Council on Exercise, Jazzercise, and the American College
of Sports Medicine. An instructor's training is key to a safe, effective
workout.
- Carefully review a club before joining. Do the workouts, amenities and
equipment suit your needs? Does the facility have adequate space and
ventilation? Is it clean? Do you feel comfortable with the staff and other
members? Missett suggests visiting the club at a time when you're most likely
to want to exercise, so you'll have a sense of how crowded it may be. Ask about
membership cancellation policies, staff availability and class schedules.
- Get a health screening. If you've been inactive for an extended period of
time, it is important to assess your current physical condition and review your
health history. Not only will it reduce your risk of injury by revealing any
physical or medical limitations, it will provide you with a basis for
comparison as your fitness level begins to improve.
- Set a simple fitness goal. Success breeds success! "Begin with a very
achievable goal and watch where it takes you," says Missett. "Commit
to walking four times a week for 20 minutes. You'll be amazed at how quickly
that can escalate into beginning a jogging program, attending a dance-fitness
class or starting a weight training program!"
- Exercise moderation. Don't be afraid to hold back! Exercise at a level that
is comfortable, yet effective. You should be able to carry on a conversation
even though you've broken a sweat. Giving 110 percent during every workout just
isn't practical (or safe) over the long haul.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General's report on the dangers of physical
inactivity, 20 minutes a day of moderate exercise is all that's needed to
significantly improve your health and reduce your risk of disease. So, even if
you're not ready to hit the jogging trail or lace up a pair of in-line skates,
you can still benefit from activities such as gardening, climbing stairs, or
even washing the floor. Go ahead, pick up that mop – who knows, it may
just lead to a regular fitness program! (ARA)
With 4,700+ franchises in all 50 U.S. states and 38
countries, Jazzercise is the world's largest dance-fitness program. For
information on local classes, call 1-800-FIT-IS-IT.
