Launch your workout: Getting motivated and setting goals

ISSUE #5 OF 7 IN AN E-MAIL SERIES Launch your workout: Getting motivated and setting goals There is no question that regular exercise is essential to good health: that alone is motivating for some folks. For others, setting meaningful personal goals — finishing a 10K race or getting back into those jeans you love — and keying into what motivates you can help launch a successful workout program. Motivation takes many forms, so find the carrot (or stick) that works for you. Maybe you’d like to get ready to tackle new activities, like climbing a towering rock wall, churning through the water during a triathlon, or making it 26.2 miles in a marathon. Perhaps you hope to feel fit and good about your body. Maybe a friendly bet with a spouse or friend — loser pays for kayaking lessons — or just wanting to hold up your end of the bargain with a new exercise partner will do the trick. Get your copy of Workout Workbook: 9 complete workouts to help you get fit and healthy The numbers are shocking. Just three out of 10 American adults are active enough to stay healthy and fit, and nearly four out of 10 admit they aren't active at all, despite reams of research proving that exercise is a powerful preventive, and sometimes an antidote, for disability and illness. This report features nine excellent workouts that will challenge your body and spirit in a variety of ways while warding off boredom. Hiring a personal trainer or tapping a buddy for workouts or walks can supply motivation. Friends who can cheer you on and hold you accountable to your plan help, too. And most of us enjoy a reward, so make a list of (ideally non-food) rewards for meeting weekly or daily goals. One reward is simply seeing progress, so consider tracking your progress regularly. Whether you are running more miles, lifting heavier weights, not getting out of breath when you take the stairs, or have to get a smaller belt, write it down or use one of the many fitness apps available for your phone, tablet, or computer. Setting exercise goals can change idle hopes into reality, especially if you put some supports in place. For more ways to incorporate an effective workout program into your life, buy Workout Workbook, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Share this story: Featured in this issue Workout Workbook Featured content: • Diving in • Getting motivated and setting goals • Exercise 101 • Using the routines • Measuring gains •  ... and more! Click here to read more » Harvard Medical School offers special reports on over 50 health topics. Visit our website at http://www.health.harvard.edu to find reports of interest to you and your family. PHONE ORDERS - please call our toll-free number: 1-877-649-9457. You are currently subscribed to Focus On as BrendaModica252@gmail.com. EDIT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PROFILE UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS FOCUS ON SERIES SUBSCRIBE TO OTHER FOCUS ON SERIES VIEW ARTICLE ARCHIVES Visit our website at: www.health.harvard.edu Email us at: healthbeat@health.harvard.edu FOLLOW US ON:  Facebook Twitter Copyright © 2014 by Harvard University. Harvard Health Publications, 10 Shattuck Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA * Please note, we do not provide responses to personal medical concerns, nor can we supply related medical information other than what is available in our print products or website. For specific, personalized medical advice we encourage you to contact your physician.