{"id":13778,"date":"2014-02-25T08:48:08","date_gmt":"2014-02-25T13:48:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/caloriecontrol.org\/?p=13778"},"modified":"2017-02-28T09:38:12","modified_gmt":"2017-02-28T14:38:12","slug":"setting-exercise-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/caloriecontrol.org\/setting-exercise-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Setting (and Sticking to) Your Exercise Goals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Between work, friends, and family it can be really hard to find the time to exercise. I know how important it is, but finding that motivation can be a real challenge for me. So if it’s hard for a blogger like me who writes about health and fitness, you’re probably asking yourself, “What am I<\/em>\u00a0supposed to do?!”<\/p>\n

Based on my experience, and some great input from our Registered Dietitians, I’ve put together some tips to help you set your goals and see then through.<\/p>\n

Setting Your Exercise Goals<\/h2>\n

Researchers have found that moderate daily exercise may reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and other chronic diseases. If you are seeking general health improvement, just 30 minutes a day should do the trick. And, this thirty minutes can be broken down into 10-minute segments throughout the day.\u00a0Even exercising just three times per week (if you can’t do it daily) can have benefits (mental and physical).<\/p>\n

Long Term Goal<\/h3>\n

Start by setting your long term. What do you want to do in a year? Workout 5 times a week?\u00a0Run a 5k? Do 50 pushups? When you decide on your long-term goal, write it down in a dedicated healthy-living journal where you can log your progress.<\/p>\n

Short Term Goals<\/h3>\n

Based on the long-term goal you just identified, set smaller goals that you can use to track your progress. If your long-term goal is to run a 5k, the Couch to 5K program<\/a> might work for you. If you want to work out 5 times a week, then maybe start with two times a week and increase by a day each quarter.<\/p>\n

Journal It<\/h3>\n

The most important thing to remember is to log everything in your journal. Don’t just log in a “yes” or “no.” Write down when you worked out, what you did, how you felt before and after, etc. After a while you’ll start to see positive trends that will help you stick to the program. \u00a0Like, “on days I work out I sleep better” or “Working out first thing in the morning makes me feel more accomplished.”<\/p>\n

Sticking to Your Goals<\/h2>\n

Becoming and staying fit is a lifelong process, so don’t become discouraged. Small steps, each day is the key and if you miss a work out don’t give up. Each day is a fresh start. The tips below should help you stick to plan and reach your goals:<\/p>\n