Let's face it. Whether it is at work or working out, we all run into roadblocks from time to time. Here's how to bust through them to stay on track, courtesy of sports psychologist, Eric Goldstein, Ph.D:
Get Started. It sounds simple, but making a commitment to regular exercise is key. Make a list of why you want to exercise and refer to it often.
Plan to Exercise. By making a commitment, either to your schedule or to another person, you are more likely to keep your appointment. Be specific with times, locations and activities.
Determine Your Exercise Personality. Exercise has many components— social (high to low), competition (high to low), mood state, location preference and optimum time of day. By determining what's best for you, you will choose the activities that suit you best.
Set the Right Goals. Many people focus on outcomes—say, losing 30 pounds—instead of process, such as exercising 30 minutes a day four days a week. The problem with an outcome goal is that if you do not meet it, you'll feel like a failure. If your process goals are realistic, the outcome goals will take care of themselves.
Hold Mental Rehearsals. By frequently picturing events, you can program your mind, body and emotions to perform the way you want them to. Visualize the activity you want to perform and the outcome you seek.
Reward Yourself. Rewards are a great way to keep you going. After you have reached a milestone, treat yourself to a massage, a gourmet dinner out, a new CD. In time, the benefits of exercising will become their own reward and the exercise habit will reinforce itself.
This information furnished as a consumer education service of IDEA, the Health & Fitness Source, as part of our mission to "Make Fitness Happen" worldwide.