Department of Personnel

Sticking to an exercise program can be a challenge, but here are ways to be successful:

Convenience

Where you plan to exercise, whether at home, a park or a fitness center, it needs to be convenient for your lifestyle. Some find it easier to exercise at the City Fitness Center before or after work or during their lunch hour. Others find it convenient to attend a class during the lunch hour while some choose to exercise in their own home. When considering where to exercise, think about the time to get there. Lack of time is the biggest barrier for those who do not exercise. When you pick a place that is convenient and close, you can eliminate that excuse for not exercising.

Do what you enjoy

If you enjoy something, you are more likely to repeat it. The same goes for exercise. When exercising, complete activities you enjoy. If you like dancing, attend a fitness class like the Floor Aerobics offered through the Recreation Division. Do not enjoy any form of exercise? Then pair it up with something you do enjoy, for example, place the treadmill in front of your TV or read a book as you exercise on the elliptical machine.

Consistency

If you can exercise consistently, then it will become a habit like, for example, brushing your teeth. It will become part of your daily routine and ingrained in your lifestyle. How many days you exercise will depend on your schedule. Be realistic and pick the number of days you know you can easily include into your daily routine. Consistency is one of the first steps in reaching your New Year's resolution goals.

Reprinted from the January 2020 edition of The Buzz.

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