Ready, Set, Exercise!

How to get started with an exercise routine as you begin your medical weight loss program.

People are naturally resistant to change. It is one of the human characteristics that most of us have in common. While sometimes change feels good, for the most part change is a bit scary. We don’t know what to expect, and that makes us feel uncomfortable. It is much easier to just stick with the status-quo, even if the status-quo isn’t great, than it is to embrace the unknown and try something totally new.

So, as it goes with anything else that is new and requires a lot of change, embracing a arnold blueprint pdf new way of life isn’t easy—even if it is a way of life that will help you be healthier and encourage weight loss. But this is exactly what your medical weight loss program asks of you. To be successful and reach your weight loss goal you must embrace the change.

For many people, this change will include committing to a daily workout routine and engaging in regular exercise.

Embracing the New Normal

The thing about change is that in time, what is new becomes normal and routine. This means that the changes you are worried about today will be the normalcy that you cling to in the future. Just imagine: today you are worried about making changes to your exercise routine, but if you really commit to those changes and make it happen, then a year from now it will be what you know.

The trick is to push past the stress of starting something new and to commit to a healthy change, even if it feels difficult or uncomfortable.

Here are a few strategies to help you get started with finding your new exercise routine:

• Start out small by pushing yourself to go walking every day. The more steps you take, the healthier you are being! Aim for eventually walking 10,000 steps every day.
• Make sure that you are staying as hydrated as possible. Keep a water bottle around you all day and fill it up as often as possible.
• Give your muscles time to recover in between big workouts. If you go running for the first time and you are sore afterwards, then go walking the next day and do some light stretching, and take a day off before running again.

One of the most important things that you can do for your health and wellness routine as you are trying to lose weight is to set a healthy and strategic goal. Consider what you want to achieve for yourself and create specific, realistic and achievable goals that you can start working for right away.

Remember, you aren’t on your own as you are trying to lose weight. Your weight loss doctor is available for ongoing guidance and support, and will help you figure out the best first steps so you can get started off strong with your exercise and weight loss goals.