1 Set attainable goals for yourself. Goals like wanting to lose weight or getting in shape are great to have, but to stick to those goals you will need to be more specific. “I want to lose 5 pounds in three weeks,” for example, is a specific and attainable goal for most people. “When you have a specific goal, it’s easier to make a fitness routine based around that goal, and you can check in with yourself on that goal,” says Matt Grossman, MS, a personal trainer at the Riverside Health Fitness Center. 2 Know your current fitness level. When getting into a routine, it ’s important to know your starting point. For example, if you haven’t worked out in several years, a good starting point would be light physical activity, like walking or lifting light weights, for 30 minutes, three times a week—and build up from there. Committing yourself to too much in the beginning can lead to burnout. Ready, set…GO! Steps to starting a fitness routine and sticking with it Physical activity is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps reduce the risk for heart disease and obesity, improves self-esteem and sleep habits, and can even boost your overall mood. Getting into a fitness routine can seem daunting at first, but with a few simple strategies, you will be on your way to a successful fitness journey. 10 RiversideHealthcare.org Matthew Grossman, MS
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