Fitness Catalog

TRAINER ADVICE

Follow the Advice below to help you stay motivated!

Exercise smart! Know your limits so that you don't hurt yourself. If you don't know how to perform an exercise, ask an exercise professional who can help!

Get Educated! Learn all you can about exercise. Know how to change your program as you become more fit. Know how to perform exercises properly & you'll be less likely to get injured!

Set SMART Goals: Be Specific! Ensure you have a way to Measure your progress toward the goal. Make sure your goal is Attainable. Be Realistic. For example, working out every single day for the next year is an unrealistic expectation. Give yourself a little slack! Be Timely. Set short-term goals that you can measure & attain in a relatively short length of time. When you reach your goal, set a new SMART goal!Monitor your progress by recording your workouts. Write down: weight training activities, amount of weight lifted & repetitions as well as total minutes of cardiovascular activity.

Find a workout buddy! Chances are when you're not feeling motivated, they may be able to help you find the motivation!

Leave yourself reminders to be active! For example, put your gym shoes by the door so you'll be reminded about your workout.

Pack your gym bag the night before so you can go straight to the gym after work or class.

Tell your friends and family about your goals to increase physical activity - these helping relationships can motivate you to stick with it!

Reward yourself once you have attained a goal. Give yourself the pat on the back you deserve! (*Try to steer clear of food-related rewards).

Be Consistent: Did you miss a workout? A one or two day lapse in your routine does not have to equal a total collapse of your new program. Remind yourself that you can always pick up where you left off. Your body responds to what you do consistently. A missed day or two will not prohibit you from reaching your goal.

Set goals for each week. At the beginning of the week, sit down and create an exercise plan. Write down the time of day you will workout & how you will reward yourself once you have accomplished your goal! (Think, a hot bubble bath or a new outfit, stay away from food-related rewards.)

Be adventurous & try something new! Attend a group exercise class or climb the rock wall. Use new and different activities to challenge your body further.

Before attempting any of the exercises listed, please see important safety information.

Last update: 10/22/08