How to achieve fitness success

by Christopher B. Robrahn
Fitness Columnist

So, you are ready to “hit the gym”. You have decided to make a change and get started with exercise. Congrats! So, what are your long-term objectives? Why are you in the gym to begin with? Is it weight loss? Trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle? Just want to look good?

There are a number of reasons people want to get fit and there really isn’t a right or wrong reason for doing so. Mistakes can be made by not considering the way in which one plans to go about achieving those objectives.

A few thoughts:

1. Be honest with yourself: What do you want to achieve and what are you willing to do (in terms of time, effort and expense) to do it? Does it make sense? Are you comfortable going to a gym or is walking more your style? Does it fit with your schedule, your family and even your job?

2. Get input: If you are not an organized person, take the time and get organized. If you like a gym or want to consider one, get facts. Find out where you can go, what the facilities offer and costs. Do they offer training? Group classes? Is the place clean? Take some time and get input from people there on all aspects of your current health to their own offerings. It must make sense.

3. Measure progress: Whatever the goal is, it should be measurable and attainable. Don’t plan to just go through the motions. You should look and feel better within a reasonable timeframe (4-6 weeks). If you are not seeing changes, don’t quit. Instead get input from a professional.

4. Change it up: Our physical bodies require challenges to be successful long term. Be thinking about how to change up your fitness routine and still adhere to your long-term objectives. If you don’t change your routine, you can become bored and your progress may flatten. Always strive to keep what you are doing fresh.

5. Don’t forget your nutrition: If you aren’t eating properly and you start exercising, your body will be at a disadvantage. You must address an improved nutritional intake and really should strive to become more nutritionally astute over time. Improving diet is critical. If you drive your car on oil you changed two years ago, it probably won’t work very well… if at all.

So, you have considered much of this and are getting started. Plan for interruptions and distractions. The road for fitness improvement can be a bumpy one marked by detours. The point is, allow for some flexibility and don’t judge yourself too harshly. You will be successful if you persevere and keep at it.

For those who choose a gym or fitness facility…lots to think about. That will be discussed in the September issue of The Gayly.

Copyright 2017 The Gayly – August 16, 2017 @ 10 a.m. CDT.