Here are some tips to encourage your desire to exercise. Whatever else

you do, remember to be kind to yourself. Changing habits takes time.

1. Exercise with someone you like, whether it’s a mate, friend or family

member. Make a firm date, for example, going for a walk on Monday,

Wednesday, and Friday mornings, or meeting for an aerobics

class at on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

2. Pick something you enjoy. If you are an outdoor person try walking,

running or biking. If you are challenged and invigorated by competition,

try racket sports, volleyball or basketball.

3. Set goals related to participation instead of outcomes like weight

loss. Here’s an example: I will work out three times a week at a

convenient time (even if it’s 10 minutes of stair-climbing during your

lunch break).

4. Notice how you feel after working out. Did you feel challenged,

satisfied, relaxed, or tired in a “good” way? These are the kind of

results that will help you want to continue. If you are uncomfortable

or in pain, whether it’s immediately after or the day after, ease off.

Reduce the amount of time and the intensity of your workout.

5. On the other hand, you may want to be a bit challenged by your

workout. Of course, if you have only 20 minutes when you want to

walk for 30, it’s better to get out and do it, rather than to skip it. But,

when you can, go just a little longer or faster, or use more weight

every so often so you don’t get bored. You may even want to try a

new class at the recreation center or get out the bike instead of your

walking shoes.

6. It is advisable to get your physician’s approval before you begin an

exercise program, especially if you have a heart condition or if you

are recovering from a serious illness or injury.

RESOURCE

Communications, 1996.