Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

MISSOULA- We all know New Years resolutions tend to falter after January and if exercise is one your resolutions, Dr. Brad Pickhardt has some important tips to make sure you stay on track.

Most of us could use some strategies when it comes to starting a fitness program, but most importantly keeping it going. We talked with YMCA Health and Wellness Director Amanda Andrews to get some advice.

"Number one, get some support, find a friend to help you to keep you motivated, to keep you accountable. Number two make yourself a priority. Absolutely schedule yourself in. Make sure you are getting 15 to 30 minutes to start out is a good way to start, but then working up a little more, trying to get out there and get active at least four to five days a week. And finally just really understanding what your goals are. Understanding why you are exercising, connecting the why to actually doing it, is really going to make you stick with it," Andrews advised.

"A personal trainer is a really good way to get started, a really good person to guide you. There's nothing like that one on one support with someone who really can tell you what to do. But it's not necessary. Just making the commitment is really the key to starting a healthier life," she added.

When you exercise falters, you got to connect with what brings you joy in exercise. So do you love yoga, do you love to stretch, do you love that peaceful time, do you love meeting a friend for coffee. Incorporate what you love to getting exercise. You really have to connect with what is important to you about exercise, what goals you want to reach and keep that intention. Write it down; keep that fresh in your mind so you will stay on track," Andrews concluded.

The bottom line: Don't let an exercise program be overwhelming. Plan carefully, pace yourself and you will make exercise a part of your life.