Getting started is half the battle... here's a good game plan.

Now is the perfect time to start an exercise routine, but getting started is half the battle.

Game Plan

• Start by setting an appointment time each week for your exercise. Yes, put what, when and where on your calendar so that you are prepared and don’t just spend all day planning on doing your exercise.
• Log your exercise each day and check the appointment times to make sure they do not need to be rescheduled.
• Set timers to remind yourself to exercise. If you’re not in the habit of exercise, it’s easy to just simply forget to do it.
• Build some variety into your plan so that you do not get bored with your exercise. For example, if you are walking for exercise, pick a variety to different places to go walk. For a bad weather day you might choose a YouTube video that leads you through an indoor walking routine, chair walking routine or strength training workout.

Types of Exercise

Make sure your exercise routine contains cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility. A balanced exercise program will help you achieve the healthy feeling you are looking for.

• Cardiovascular exercise is an exercise that elevates your heart rate. You will want to perform cardiovascular exercise like walking most days per week for 20-30 minutes. You may not be able to do 20-30 minutes when you begin, but set a goal and work up to it. Cardio exercise will help to strengthen your heart and muscles, burn calories, boost your mood, improve your sleep and reduce joint stiffness. It also prevents or helps manage high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Strength training is recommended at least two times per week per muscle group. By doing this you will obtain more muscle, boost your resting metabolism, help prevent osteoporosis and improve your balance.
• Flexibility is also an important component of physical fitness. Flexibility improves mobility, posture and muscle coordination, and reduces the risk of injures and muscle soreness. It is important that you stretch some at the end of every workout. Yoga is a great way to build flexibility.

A Healthier You

Remember to start slowly and make gradual increases as you become more fit. Consistency is key!

Don’t put pressure on yourself to change overnight; this is a lifestyle you want to last the rest of your life. Even if you start with five minutes and increase each week, a little bit of exercise is better than none.

Get started today—these small changes will develop into a habit that will lead to a healthier you.