Keeping a Good Thing Going

Changing sedentary habits can be difficult. If your enthusiasm for exercise starts to wane, try these strategies:

• Fight discouragement by focusing on short-term goals that can be attained more easily.
• Ask for support. The encouragement of your friends and family should help you keep going.
• Make sure you still enjoy what you are doing. If not, try varying your route, inviting a friend or family member to join you, or switching to a different form of exercise.
• Pick up a magazine devoted to your favorite activity to get some new tips.
• Treat yourself to a new pair of walking shorts or a swimsuit.
• Jot down what you do each day to keep a record of your progress. When you look back at where you began, take pride in your accomplishment.
• If you need to miss several days of exercise because of illness or injury, wait until you feel better before resuming, making sure to follow any instructions from your doctor. You may need to start at a lower level, but don't be concerned, soon you'll be enjoying your previous level of activity and all its benefits.