Tips for Getting Started Again

So often, every day life gets in the way of regular exercise.  This very important health pursuit is usually the first thing that gets bumped when schedules shift.  A vacation, the flu, house guests, children and their activities, or a major life event, can cause a loss of momentum and a lapse from regular exercise.

Once momentum is lost, it’s easy to feel discouraged and reluctant to fight your way back to the level of commitment you had before your routine was undisturbed. Even though ground has been lost in the pursuit of health and fitness, it’s important to decide to do something to begin again. Setting small goals is an easy way to find your way back to fitness.

Maybe it’s a walk to work after parking farther away than normal.  Maybe it’s getting up ten minutes earlier in the morning, exercising to a DVD. The trick is to start small and make sure your goal is attainable.  By knitting together small successes, it’s easier to stick with an exercise plan.  Once you’re back in full exercise mode, guard the time you reserve for this health-improving commitment.  It will pay off in better health and a more positive outlook toward yourself and your loved-ones.

- Pam Brooks

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