Seven simple steps to a more active lifestyle

Setting and keeping goals is the key to your fitness success - but to be successful, you need to keep revisiting your goals and the ways that you are achieving them.

1. Set your ultimate goal then take it one step at a time. Start by asking yourself the ‘what ifs’ of getting fit. For example, ‘What if I lost some weight?’ Then write down all of the benefits that come with it.

2. Know what you need to do to get there. This step involves preparing for action, and that means doing some research. Your research can consist of reading books, using the Internet or getting professional advice from your GP, a physiotherapist or your local fitness centre. Once you have a clear understanding of what action to take, you can break down your goal into specific, achievable steps.

3. Be inspired. For this step, combine the new information you’ve found with what makes sense for you and your lifestyle. Remember that being realistic means knowing yourself. What activities do you like? Is the activity convenient for you; for example do you have to travel far? But your goal must be measurable, so if you plan on going for a two mile walk three times a week, using a pedometer can help you keep track of how far and fast you’re walking.

4. Have a plan – and a back-up plan. Once you’ve set your realistic and measurable goal, think about what’s involved in keeping it – for example schedule exercise in your calendar. Your plan should also include backup plans should something keep you from your activity. For example if the weather doesn’t permit a walk in the local park, use an at-home exercise DVD, or visit the nearest swimming pool.

5. Use a buddy system. Having an exercise partner is a good way to get both encouragement and inspiration from someone. It also helps remove any barriers or excuses, like when you just don’t feel like getting off the sofa to lace up your walking shoes.

6. Don’t mistake ‘getting off track’ for ‘failure’. Don’t fall into the ‘all or nothing’ trap. Perfection doesn’t exist, so missing your exercise time once in a while is fine. Just get back into the swing of things as soon as you can. If you’re skipping exercise on a regular basis, then it could be that you need to revise your original plan.

7. Revisit and revise your plan as needed. If your original plan isn’t working, it could be that you’ve set your goal too high, too low or simply that you’re not getting as much pleasure from the activity as you thought. Whatever the reason, don’t simply jump ship – instead, change the course you’ve set and try something else.

CA0001415 Date of preparation February 2012