Team Conditioning Systems: Keeping The Fire Burning Monday, May 21, 2001 By Molly Swartz SJSports Staff Writer Getting motivated to work out is easier than staying motivated. Staying motivated day after day, month after month, year after year can prove to be a huge challenge. So to help with that here are techniques that I think will help you maintain your desire to exercise... 1. Make your workouts part of your day. Setting a regular time to work out will help you create the "space" in your day for your workouts. 2. Keep a record. Recording your workouts is a great way to stay motivated, and keep track of your progress. 3. Remember, change is good. By varying your workouts you don't have to fear becoming bored with your training protocol. This will lend itself to you sticking with the program. 4. Do things you enjoy. You don't have to be in a structured setting all the time. Biking, tennis, swimming are examples of leisure activities that also promote health and fitness. 5. Create realistic goals. The goals of your program should be within your reach. Always put yourself in a position to succeed! Monitor and adjust goals as your fitness levels change. 6. Join a gym. But you want to look before you leap. Tour the club first, make sure that this is the kind of place that will assist you in reaching your fitness objectives. 7. Train with a partner. It could make exercise more fun, training with a friend. Also, the chances are greater that you will adhere with your protocol if you now know someone is waiting and depending on you to show up. 8. Hire a personal trainer. Sometimes it's easier to stick with a program if a fitness professional works with you. It doesn't have to be all the time, some people meet with a trainer just for fitness "check-ups". 9. Progress slowly. "NO Pain no gain" is nonsense. Any time exercise hurts stop. Work to avoid doing too much, too soon, this can help avoid injury and muscle soreness. 10. Reward yourself. Allow yourself to enjoy yourself. But those shoes, or take a trip. Realize that it's fine to pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Do you have a fitness or conditioning question for Graig? Send it to gwhite@teamconditioning.com. If your question is used in an article, you will receive a free Team Conditioning Systems t-shirt.

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