Motivation is the Key!

If you've decided to start a fitness program...CONGRATULATIONS!

Your motivation has helped you to take the first step towards a healthier, happier life!

"The starting point of all achievement is desire.
Keep this constantly in mind."

- Napoleon Hill

...is key to achieving your goals. If you are just starting out, the changes to your lifestyle can seem overwhelming. The following tips can help you stick to your fitness program:

1. Begin slowly. Even though you're anxious to get moving and see results, your body needs to adjust to your new routine. Make sure you begin every workout with some stretching exercises to warm up. Then start off with 30 minutes of cardio - walking, biking, hiking or a low-impact exercise class. Gradually increase your workouts as your endurance increases.

2. Visualize your success! Every day take time for yourself to visualize your new healthier, happier self. Close your eyes, relax and picture yourself at your desired weight, and feel how happy you will be when you finally achieve that goal. Many athletes use visualization techniques to achieve their goals and you can do the same.

3. Keep Help Handy. Keep a collection of motivational quotes or an inspirational book handy. When you are tired or feeling low, reading these can be the jump-start you need to get back on track.

4. Stay Balanced. You will be more successful with your diet and exercise program if you gradually incorporate these changes into your lifestyle. If you skip a day of exercising or go off your diet sometimes, don't over react. Just get back on track the next day and continue with your fitness goals. Keep going and you will be successful!

"Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing, it's when you've had everything to do and you've done it!"

- Margaret Thatcher

6. Only weigh yourself every week. It's hard to notice daily changes, and makes the focus on losing weight, instead of on improving fitness and feeling healthy and happier. You may not see a change right away, but dont get discouraged! Keep focused on your exercise and workouts and it won't be long before you see results.

7. Listen to your Body. Try to exercise at the time of day that works best for you. If you are a "morning person" get up 1/2 hour earlier and do your workouts in the morning when you energy is at peak level. Night owls would probably do better to exercise in the evenings. Work with your own personal body rhythm to keep your enthusiasm up.

8. Consider a Personal Trainer. A personal trainer can really help keep you on track. Most fitness centers have personal trainers on staff who can create a basic exercise and diet plan for you. If you don't belong to a fitness center, many personal trainers will work with you on a one-on-one basis.

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