Many people begin the New Year with great expectations of following a new or rigorous exercise regime only to find that by February the new equipment is used more often as a clothes hanger than for a workout.

The most important part of an exercise or activity program is to actually do it. The key to maintaining a fitness program is in choosing the right program for you. Before you sign up, purchase or invest in any way in a fitness program or equipment it is vital to really look at your current lifestyle and activity. You need to look at your current lifestyle and access realistically what you will realistically do on a routine basis. If you struggle to get to work, the kids to school, or don’t function well before noon – then an early morning workout is not practical. So what is one to do…?
First remember that the recommendations for fitness are to be active on a routine basis. It does not recommend marathons or climbing Mount Everest. But to include a variety of activities in your weekly routine. So we can set our sights on a realistic and doable fitness program.
There are three key points to consider when balancing the desire to start a fitness program and actually having become part of your daily routine. Time, type of activity, and variety of activities are the essential elements of a program that will last longer than the snow on the ground.

Time:
First decide what time of t=day is best for you. Ask yourself –
Are you a morning person?
Are you busy with carpools or after school activities?
Choose a time of day that you can devote to yourself at least three to four times per week. Then schedule and protect that time as if it were a doctor’s appointment. Think of it as preventative medicine.

Activity:
You do not need lots of expensive equipment, or a club, or even a fitness center. Really all that is required is to move on a consistent basis. Your activity could be walking, dancing, or climbing stairs right in your own home. Your weights can be the cans of vegetables, soup, or tomato sauce. Put some music on and move in any way you like! The key is to do it for at least 30 minutes three to four times per week.
There are always those days that the unexpected happens – don’t despair you have several choices – you can move your activity to the next day, or even just do 10 to 15 minutes today and a full time the next day. Remember it is better to do something rather than nothing.

Variety:
Variety is the spice of life – this is very true when comes to an exercise routine. Exercise can become monotonous even if it is an activity you enjoy. Change the music; change the route of your walk, but it is important to keep your interest up. You can alternate activities. Walk the stairs in the house on Monday, dance with the kids on Wednesday, and Friday go for a brisk walk. By the end of the week you have had fun and kept your fitness program. If the opportunity arises for a family hike or a bike ride – GO FOR IT- remember it does not matter what you do – we just need to do something on a routine basis.
Once you have determined when and what to do you are on your way to a happy and healthy new year!