There is never a better time than now to start or revitalize an exercise regime. Now. Today. Perhaps you have tried getting in shape in the past and it hasn’t stuck, but that is no excuse not to try again. You have to constantly renew your efforts to eat well and exercise on a regular basis. Many enthusiasts renew their dedication every morning to remind themselves why they are focused.

Kick start your fitness regime by grabbing a friend and signing up for a class or some personal training sessions. Prepay for your workouts -- you are more likely to keep that commitment if your bankbook is already committed.

If you’re not the group fitness type, get a personal trainer who can give you as much attention as you need. Find a trainer and a friend who have schedules that work with yours. Most trainers offer better rates on double workouts and you still get personalized service.

Other general tips for success:

1. Plan your meals for the week, including snacks. A quick Google search for “quick healthy meals” returned 468,000 results. It shouldn’t be too hard to come up with tasty meal ideas that are easy to make.

2. Actually cook your meals for the week. If you are on the go a lot, take a few hours on Sunday to cook your meals for the entire week, portion them out and stick them in the freezer. Then just take them out each morning for the day.

3. Schedule your exercise for the week. Write it in your daytimer or PDA as an appointment so that you do not overbook yourself. Fitness has to be a priority or else it will slip to the back burner.

4. Make it fun! If you have trouble with commitment, schedule a fitness date with a friend so you get a social visit in as well as a workout. Go for a jog, a bike ride, or a double session with a trainer. Choose something social (unlike swimming, for example).

5. Register for an event. Even if you are satisfied with your current fitness level, an event is a fun way to challenge yourself and provide incentive to get out the door and train. Round up a friend or two to sign up for the event as well. Google is helpful in locating events and local groups who welcome new members. 

6. Invest in some new clothes or shoes. When learning to ski, my theory was, “If I can’t ski well I might as well look good.” As shallow as it seems, it helped get me up the hill -- I spent all that money to look good, so I had to make use of it! In many cases the investment is more than aesthetic. To prevent running injuries one must have proper footwear as well as adequate clothing to stay warm and dry in every season.

7. Go through the motions. Preparing for an activity helps us actually do it. A friend who, when he doesn’t feel like going to the gym, makes himself actually go, telling himself that if he still doesn’t feel like being there he will go home. Ninety per cent of the time, once he gets there, he stays and works out.

8. Get proper instruction. Fitness instructors provide motivation and encouragement, and also help you with proper form so you become more efficient at training and less likely to be injured.

9. Involve your loved ones. Things are so much easier to stick to when you are doing them with other people. There many options available for family fitness and healthy families are happy families. Cooking together and talking about nutrition ensures that kids learn healthy habits.

10. Recognize your accomplishments. No matter how small or large, an improvement is still an improvement. Repeat how proud you are of yourself on days that you stick to your fitness and/or meal plans. This is called positive reinforcement and it works for everything!

These suggestions are very general. A health or fitness professional can elaborate. There are many resources available to you at your local community centre, gym, club and, of course, through the internet.  You are the only one who can improve your health and it is never too late to get started. Keep trying -- health is always worth the investment.

Suzanne Rushton, B.A. is a fitness enthusiast and BCRPA-certified weight training instructor who specializes in one-on-one training for women. 604-318-1277 www.suzannerushton.com

Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Jun - Jul 08