How To Start An Exercise Program You Can Stick To – Beginning an exercise program is often a daunting task, filled with good intentions but frequently hampered by poor planning, expectations, and fear that you will fail (again). The key to a successful fitness journey that truly spans a lifetime of health and wellbeing lies in creating a sustainable, enjoyable routine that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Most people go hog wild when they start and burnout within three weeks to 3 months or get busy and feel like a failure and stop dead in the tracks. Here are some practical tips to help you start an exercise program you can stick to.
1. Set Realistic Goals Setting achievable goals is the foundation of any successful exercise program. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, focus on small, incremental improvements. For example, if you’re new to running, aim to jog for 10 minutes three times a week rather than committing to a marathon within a few months. As fitness expert Becca Tebon notes, “Small, consistent steps are more effective in the long run than sporadic, intense efforts.” Remember the childhood story of the tortoise and the hare? The steady tortoise wins the race — every time!
2. Find Activities You Enjoy One of the main reasons people abandon their exercise programs is because they find the activities boring or unenjoyable. It’s crucial to choose exercises that you look forward to. Whether it’s dancing, swimming, hiking, or yoga, the best workout is one that doesn’t feel like a chore. Tebon client Sandra Sauls shares, “I used to struggle with sticking to the gym until I discovered the 17 Minute Workout Method. Now, I can’t wait for my daily workouts — they transformed my 62-year-old body.”
3. Make a Schedule Consistency is key to developing a lasting exercise habit. Treat your workouts like important appointments that can’t be missed. Plan them into your daily or weekly schedule and stick to it as you would with any other commitment. Setting a specific time for exercise helps build a routine and helps integrate them into your life, making them a natural part of your day.
4. Start Slowly and Progress Gradually Jumping into an intense exercise routine can lead to injury and burnout. Start with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves. This approach not only helps prevent injuries but also makes the exercise more enjoyable and manageable. “I love how Becca simplified my journey and guarded my progress, showing me how to listen to my body and pace myself. The results in 90 were the best ever,” says Melanie Guy, one of Tebon’s 90-Day Transformations. “Gradual progress is more sustainable and reduces the risk of setbacks,” emphasizes Tebon.
5. Track Your Progress Keeping track of your progress can be incredibly motivating. Whether it’s through a fitness app, journal, or simple notes on your calendar, documenting your achievements and improvements can provide a sense of accomplishment and encourage you to keep going. Celebrating small victories, like running a mile without stopping or being consistent for 3-5 days, can boost your motivation and confidence.
6. Seek Support and Accountability Having a workout buddy or joining a fitness community can provide the support and accountability needed to stay on track. Exercising with others can make the experience more enjoyable and less daunting. Additionally, speaking your goals out loud provides a sense of timeliness, and progress with friends or family can provide encouragement and motivation. “Working out with the members of 17MinuteWorkouts.com keeps me accountable and makes the experience much more fun,” says ex-marathon runner Janet B. Of New York.
7. Be Flexible and Patient Life can be unpredictable, and it’s important to be flexible with your exercise routine. If you miss a workout, don’t be too hard on yourself. Adjust your schedule and get back on track the next day, even if it’s a 4-minute glute routine, push-ups, or jog on your JumpSport Trampoline. Patience is crucial, as significant changes in fitness and health take time. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” reminds coach Becca. “Being patient and consistent will yield long-term benefits.”
Starting an exercise program, you can stick to is about making fitness a sustainable and enjoyable part of your life. The 17MinuteWorkouts.com program, utilizing powHERbands, offers an accessible and effective solution for individuals at any fitness level to stay consistent and achieve noticeable results in as little as two weeks. Designed to fit into even the busiest of schedules, these short, functional workouts maximize efficiency by targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously, ensuring a comprehensive fitness routine without the need for extensive time commitments.
The use of powHERbands adds resistance to each exercise, enhancing muscle engagement and promoting faster strength gains and toning. The program’s flexibility allows beginners to ease into their fitness journey while offering advanced modifications for seasoned athletes. With guided routines, both live and on-demand, to fit around your schedule, progress tracking, and a supportive community, 17MinuteWorkouts.com empowers users to stay motivated and committed, making fitness a sustainable and rewarding part of their daily lives.
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