Tips for Starting an Exercise Program

Exercise.

It can be a struggle starting an exercise program. To my dental patients I often relate flossing to exercise- it is a pain to start the routine, but once you do it is not so bad. For over two years I told hubby that I was going to start exercising. I would start for a week only to fall off the wagon. That all changed last Fall when I hired a coach. I have been working with my coach Jon for about seven months now.

If you are struggling with getting started with exercise find someone that can hold you accountable. If you can’t afford to hire a coach or a personal trainer, find a friend, spouse or child to workout with. Since I meet with Jon two times a week, he holds me accountable. If I don’t do my “homework” he knows! Having a coach keeps me motivated.

The hardest part about starting an exercise program is just that- starting. Once I was past the first couple of weeks, I craved working out. Yes, craved it! My posture improved, my body shape has changed and most importantly, I feel good.

The biggest excuse I had for not working out was TIME. When I asked Jon how does he have time for yoga everyday his response was simple- “I make time.” My schedule is pretty busy with working full time as a dental hygienist and working here on How to Have it All (oh and don’t forget the 2 kids and hubby!). To make my workouts fit in to my schedule, I have to wakeup early. I set a strict schedule for myself as far as bedtime. I used to stay up until 11pm most nights. Now I shut down the computer at 10pm (sometimes even earlier!). Getting enough sleep has allowed me to hop right up when my alarm goes off off for yoga each morning.

If you keep telling yourself you need to start exercising, I want you to do two things this week.

Find someone to hold you accountable- it is so much funner having a partner anyways.
Make time. You will thank yourself if you do! It doesn’t have to be a lot of time to start. 20 minutes of yoga will do it!

I plan to keep writing about my experience with functional training and program design that Jon has helped me with. Keep in mind that I am not a personal trainer- this is just my experience!

Bio
Latest Posts

Renae Chiovaro

Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.