Building Up to Your Exercise Goals

It may seem overwhelming to think about where you want to be a year from now in your exercise routines. However, it is important to have goals set so that you can work toward your aspirations!

First and foremost, you need to go in with the understanding that you won’t become ripped and lean just by going to the gym. You’ve lost weight through surgery, and now you have a long road ahead of you. It will take commitment to build up to your goals, and it won’t always be easy. To help yourself stick to your goals, you need a reason for setting them in the first place. Otherwise, sitting on the couch in the comfort of your home will sound like a good alternative! Choose in your mind that you want to lose weight because…, and keep that at the forefront. Maybe it is so you can play with you kids longer, or maybe it is so you can take that long hike you’ve been wanting to take for so long. Whatever it is, make sure to focus on your WHY as you work to attain your exercise goals.

Secondly, start small. If you go to exercise and tell yourself that a whopping 300 push-ups will be cake, then you have already beaten yourself. Start with small, attainable goals that you can reach, and add a little to them weekly. If you are looking to do well at push-ups, sit-ups and planks, then start out with a goal of doing 10 push-ups, 15 sit-ups, and a 20-second plank each day for a week. Then after you’ve attained that, set a higher goal! Attaining and achieving slowly is always better than burning out quickly.

Quick Tip: Even though your weekly goals should be small, you should also set a long term goal that you can work up to.

Finally, If you struggle with commitment, then it may be good to ask a friend or family member to take the first step with you. Ask them to go to the gym with you 3 times a week, or ask them to text you daily to see if you are continually working toward your goals. Accountability for long-term goal accomplishment is a huge help in your weight-loss journey.

If you are interested in learning more about weight-loss surgery and how it can help you change your life, contact our office today!