Exercise: 7 tips for success

John Inkster, MS
Operations Manager - Wellness
CentraCare Health

1. Stop the excuses! Almost everybody can do some regular physical activity to help their health, but a lot of people simply don’t take the time to keep up with a regular program.
2. Get out there and MOVE! It can be difficult to start exercising, but once the habit is ingrained it provides many physical and psychological benefits.
3. Start slowly. Begin with whatever you can do (even 5 minutes of walking) and increase as tolerated. It is recommended to contact your health care provider if you are currently sedentary and want to do vigorous exercise intensity or if you have several chronic health conditions.
4. Focus on daily physical activity. Increasing daily energy expenditure (taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away in the parking lot, just taking more steps throughout the day) will help build a strong activity base to keep you successful with your new lifestyle.
5. Write it down. Schedule your daily exercise into your calendar and make that appointment a priority. Use a journal to track your progress, weight, time, calories, pounds lost, etc.
6. Set goals. Having both short- and long-term goals will help you to stay motivated. Keep the goals reasonable and realistic.
7. Have alternate plans. Plan ahead for changes in your exercise routine based on weather, time restrictions and vacations.