How to start an exercise program

Everyone knows the importance of exercising, however, often the hardest part of having an exercise program is getting started. It can be hard to find the motivation to make exercise a part of your life. However, we now know that regular exercisers are not just fit, they are truly healthier. If you make the commitment to make regular exercise a part of your life, the pay off can be big in number of ways. Not only can you maintain a healthier weight, but regular exercise has been shown to help fight off a number of serious medical problems. But you still have to get started!Here is what you need to know about how to start an exercise program-

• Check with your doctor-No one should begin a new exercise program without checking with their doctor. You need to make sure that you are healthy enough for regular exercise. Your doctor can also evaluate whether you are at risk for certain injuries and give recommendations on what exercises to try first.
• Start small-If you are getting off the couch to begin exercising there is no need to start by running a marathon. This will only result in injuries, discouragement and feelings of being overwhelmed. If you are going to begin exercising you should start with a manageable step. If you are really out of shape, then start a goal to walk everyday for at least 10 minutes. You will be surprised at just how fast you build up your strength and stamina, and are able to move on to other and longer exercises sessions.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help-Today there is a wide variety of fitness clubs available in almost every community. Don't be afraid to go in and ask for some help. Most clubs have trainers who can give you some guidelines to help you get started, or for a fee will help train you. Just make sure that you are using a trainer who is certified to train you.
• Reward yourself-The early days of beginning to exercise can sometimes be uncomfortable. While you are learning the ins and outs of your new exercise program, you may feel frustrated and want to give up. You may experience sore muscles as your work body parts that have never been worked before. This can all leave a new exerciser feeling discouraged. In order to combat this problem set up a goal when it comes to exercising and reward yourself when you reach it. Just make sure that you use a non-food related prize! A massage, some new clothes or a night at the movies with friends can all motivate you to stick with it.
• Try different things-Many times someone will begin exercising and quickly become bored. This often is the result of doing the same thing day in and day out. Even at the beginning of your exercising you will want to make sure that you are trying different things. Today there is a wide variety of different types of exercising. If you don't like the first thing that you pick, then move onto something else.Not only will the variety help you not to get bored,it will give you a better workout.
• Enlist a friend-Studies show that those people who exercise with someone tend to stick with and achieve their exercise goals. Enlist an exercise buddy to help you to stay motivated. This way you will be accountable to someone else and it will help lesson the temptation to blow off going to the gym. Best of all exercising can be a social outing as you work hard to get healthier and have some fun all at the same time.