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Stick with your workout

by Liz Neporent
Fitness expert Liz Neporent gives advice on how to stick to your workout routine in that tricky first month

Because I’ve been getting a lot of questions about starting a workout programme and – more importantly – sticking with a workout programme, I’ve decided to give you a step-by-step plan to follow. Research has shown that the first month of exercise is make-or-break time. If you can get through just 30 days without giving in to your old, inactive lifestyle, you’re on your way to developing a good exercise habit.

This schedule will provide the guidance and structure you need to get through that first month. Good luck!

Day 1-7: Add activity
Do anything and everything that constitutes movement and activity without worrying about timing it or measuring it. Anything goes.

  • Bypass the lift and take the stairs
  • Get off the train one stop early and walk the rest of the way
  • Take a walk with your kids
  • Play chase and fetch with the dog

Aim to increase your activity to four out of seven days. (Hint: This is a good habit to get into whether you’re a regular exerciser or not.)

Day 8: Make a list
Write down your personal reasons for wanting to exercise. What’s in it for you? What are your goals? Make them as detailed and specific as possible. (Saying you want to lose weight is good; saying you’re at 28 per cent body fat and would like to get to 24 per cent is even better.) Put this list on your fridge, your mirror, your pillow – anywhere you are likely to see it often. Every time you read the words you’ve written, it’ll remind you why you want to get in shape, and you’ll feel inspired.

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