$Unique_ID{BRK01173}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Fitness Help for Confirmed Couch Potatoes}
$Subject{exercise motivation program}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Fitness Help for Confirmed Couch Potatoes


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QUESTION:  I have never been one with a zest for athletics or exercise, but
with all the articles about the benefits to be gained from a measure of
physical fitness, I have tried to get into it.  Although I have purchased a
home exercise machine, and brought all the accepted clothes, I find that, for
a third time, my best intentions have led me nowhere.  I want to get this
thing going, and will try one last time.  I hope you may have some advice to
help me make this time a success story.  How about it?

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ANSWER:  If ever I could relate to the problems presented by a reader in a
question, this is certainly true of your example.  Actually, I think there are
more of us, than those muscular specimens, or the dedicated marathoners who
can overcome the obstacles, and achieve a level of fitness we can only dream
about.  But there is help for those who are confirmed couch potatoes, and
there is a richness of rewards to be gathered if we can get a few things in
order, and develop a plan that has merit.  In your case the first step is to
reflect back over the past failures, and attempt to discover what went wrong.
Then make a determined effort to change those elements that caused you to
abandon your activity, so they won't interfere this time around.  Apparently
your equipment wasn't much fun, so this time chose an activity that you can
enjoy.  Walking, roller skating and swimming can often accomplish just as much
as a workout on an expensive apparatus, and may be easier for you to complete.
It is essential that you chose a time for exercise that has no or few
conflicts with other schedules.  That will eliminate the excuse that "there
just isn't time to exercise today".  If you can work out with a partner or
group, the chances are you will stick with it this time.  Having an
"accomplice" makes the time pass more rapidly and more pleasantly for someone
who does not derive joy from the mere physical aspects of an exercise program.
The last word of advice is to set reasonable goals for your activities, and
allow enough time, say twenty weeks, for some of the results to show.  Once
you note the new spring in your step, the ease with which you accomplish
physical tasks, and the general sensation of well being that exercise can
provide, it will be more difficult for you to abandon your successful
endeavor.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
