Top Tips: Top 5 Back-to-Basics Exercise Tips

September 2010

Fall is all about fresh starts and getting back to the basics. Start with a fresh exercise routine you can stick to throughout the season.

1. Baby steps. One of the main reasons most people don't stick with New Year's resolutions is because the changes are too drastic. So make small, realistic changes, and build from there. Pledge to take your dog for a walk every day. Stretch out in the morning when you wake up. Do sit-ups during Thursday-night TV. Once you start making small changes, exercise will become more of a routine, and it'll become easier to make additional changes to your regimen.

2. Peer pressure. Make exercise social. It helps to break up the monotony of working out by yourself, and accountability is key. You'll be much more likely to roll out of bed for that early-morning run if you know you've got friends waiting for you. So, whether you have a running group, a yoga class, or just a friend you meet at the gym, get out there and get social.

3. Keep a balance. Like a well-rounded diet, a well-rounded exercise routine has a healthy balance. Be sure to include cardio, strength, and flexibility as part of your workout routine. You don't have to do all three in every single workout, but keeping all three in mind is a good way to add some diversity to your exercises.

4. Location, location, location. One of the keys to a realistic routine is making it work for you. So, make exercise convenient to help cut down on excuses not to do it. Join a gym close to your house, walk in your neighborhood, and find places in and around your office to sneak in a workout.

5. Goooooooal! Rather than getting into an exercise routine just to get into an exercise routine, set a goal. A realistic, measurable goal. For example, if you want to lose weight, set a goal of fitting into that new fall jacket you want. Or, if you want to build endurance, sign up for a 5k race, and make a goal to cross the finish line. Whatever your goal is, be sure to reward yourself on the way to completion. Sometimes, when the working out gets hard, small rewards will keep you moving toward your goal.

enjoy exercise >

As always, be sure to consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.

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