Making Exercise a Habit

Most exercisers start a new program and because of their initial zeal end up overdoing it, getting sore or injured, and then stop working out. You want to gradually ease in to a workout program and add intensity as required. Make sure you start off with the minimum necessary to make an impact—three 20-minute cardiovascular sessions and maybe one total body strength training session (one that hits legs, rear, core, shoulders, chest, back, and arms). Do this for a minimum of two weeks but no more than four weeks. In the second month, add another set of strength training and increase your cardio sessions by 5 minutes (three 25-minute cardiovascular sessions/two total body strength training session). Use this progression over the next few weeks/months (depending on your fitness level) until you are doing a minimum of three-to-five 30-45 minute cardiovascular sessions and two-three total body strength training sessions. After reaching this point, continue to switch up your routine every few weeks. Need help in changing up your routine, check out my consulting services at Design Your Healthy Life LLC.