Path to Fitness Have a Plan

By Susan Hahn

Fitness Together

More Weight Control, Nutrition & Exercise Articles

Path to Fitness Have a Plan

Do you have an interest in working out but are not sure where to begin? Deciding to workout is a great first step, but after that, it can be complex and confusing.

Many people dive right into the gym without a plan, and without any idea of what they want to accomplish by going (other than vague goals of health and weight loss). Not to worry, if this is you.

It's never too late to formulate and stick to a plan and you'll be glad you did once you start seeing more results.

Set goals. Having in mind what you want to achieve is the first step to getting the desired outcome. The trick is to make your goals specific. “Weight loss” is a goal, but it is not measurable and specific. “I want to lose 15 pounds,” is.

Set a timeframe for your goals. Be realistic about your goal, the time you can devote to it, and the healthiness of achieving your goal within the timeframe you set. Patience is required with all fitness goals. If you are unsure of what is reasonable, do a little research.

Figure out how to meet your goals with an exercise program. Again, you may want to take the time to do some research here. By having your goals laid out specifically, it will be much easier for you to figure out the best way for you to meet them. You can even look at the types of fitness that interest you the most to see if they will incorporate the benefits that you are after.

Structure your program. Know when you are going to the gym and what you will be doing each session. Its up to you to best identify how you will meet your goals, but have a plan.

Stay on target – but be flexible. You do want to stick to your program, but rigidly maintaining a program that isn't working for you will only disenfranchise you and will ultimately end in disappointment. Reevaluate your program periodically, and don't hesitate to consult with a personal trainer. Their expertise and knowledge will help you banish boredom and amp up your results helping you to achieve your goals much easier.