Recognize Your Motivation to Exercise

The positive effects of exercise have been documented and reported through every media outlet available. You can probably walk up to anyone on the street and ask them the positive benefits of exercise and they can most likely list them. If everyone knows why we need to exercise, why aren't we? The answers are most likely more complex than we think.

This article will take a look at the five stages of behavioral change as created by a psychotherapist named Prochaska. Prochaska's model, known as the Transtheoretical Model, says that people go through cycles in developing behavior change. Each cycle has different stages. To move through the stages, a change in behavior must occur. The five stages of change are as follows:

? Precontemplation
? Contemplation
? Preparation
? Action
? Maintenance

Let's take a look at each stage and see how the average person might be running through this model as it relates to starting an exercise program.

Precontemplation ? people in this stage do not recognize that by not exercising they are negatively affecting their health. They are happy where they are and exercise is the farthest thing from their mind. Family or friends may voice concern about their health and encourage them to exercise, but it falls on deaf ears.

Contemplation ? this stage is characterized by the willingness to consider taking action in the near future. Many people in this stage have found some personal link to why exercise is now needed in their life. The doctor may suggest exercise because cholesterol levels are too high, blood pressure is rising to dangerous levels, etc. The information becomes personalized to the person and this in turn allows them to consider starting an exercise program. This stage may also prompt people to start visiting fitness facilities to gather information about where they would like to exercise and give them a idea of what is available to them.

Preparation ? clients in the preparation phase recognize that adding exercise is a positive change and are working to make that happen. Clients will seek out information and begin an exercise program. There are many sedentary people who start off doing way too much for their current fitness level. Guidance from a fitness professional in appropriate goal setting and creation of an exercise program is an absolute must. Proper goal setting will allow the client to progress without getting injured. All or nothing thinking can be a detriment here. Remember that something is always better than nothing.

Sedentary people should start an exercise program slowly and build into more exercise. Exercising too much too soon can lead to injury, frustration, and drop-out. Remember that exercise is a new habit in your busy lifestyle that you will need to practice for it become routine. Remember, in order to make change possible you must establish a goal which works for your situation

Action ? Action means just that. After establishing program guidelines (times per week, minutes per sessions, etc.) this is where the hard work is put in. Motivation is extremely high and you are encouraged to be starting your program. Always keep your goal within reach and spirits high. There will be days when you will want to talk yourself out of exercise.

Critical to the success of the action stage is a strong support system. Your support system can include family and friends who will support your efforts in a positive way. Make sure to have a conversation with them so they understand their role in assisting you with your desire to become healthy and fit. If your family and friends do not understand your reason to exercise, they may try sabotage your efforts.

If you need to be challenged for your fitness program, workout with a friend who has a similar goal or seek out a qualified personal trainer.

Maintenance ? Maintenance is probably the hardest stage to stay in. Old behaviors have a way of creeping up on you and getting in the way of reaching your goals and putting a damper on all of the hard work and momentum you built. Maintenance is designed to allow and plan for a "slip". Create different workout plans that deal with the perfect day, the typical day, and the day from hell. Each workout will be a little different but remember the overall goal is down the road, not right in front of you.

These stages allow for movement between each stage, forward and backward. It is quite common for people to go back and forth between stages before they feel successful in their efforts.

David Radin is a personal trainer in the Lake Norman Area of Charlotte, NC who have been training individuals in a variety of roles from athletics to weight loss. Dave received his degree in Health/Fitness from Springfield College and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a certified personal trainer (CPT) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Precision Fitness is an advanced personal fitness, corrective exercise, post-rehabilitation, and sports performance facility with locations in Cornelius and Mooresville. For more information check out http://www.lakenormanfitness.com

---

Exercise and the Time Clock

I have to admit that I sometimes find it amusing... Read More

Exercise and Losing Weight for Life ? Avoid the #1 Mistake Everyone Makes!

Do you ever feel like you are working out so... Read More

Best Flat Tummy Exercises for Great Female Abs

Are there flat tummy exercises that are the best for... Read More

What is the Right Home Exercise Program for You?

What do you want to get out of the exercise... Read More

Why You Should Learn Tai Chi

Learning Tai ChiTai Chi combines movement, meditation and breathing, to... Read More

The History of Pilates ? It All Began With One Sickly Child

A look into the history of Pilates helps you understand... Read More

A 30-minute, Or Less, Full Body Workout

Most people do not have the time to do biceps... Read More

15 Quick Tips for People Who Dont Like to Exercise

We've all had days when we don't have the energy... Read More

Performing Potentially Dangerous Gym Exercises

How do you know that the exercises you are performing... Read More

Super Charge Your Metabolism

1. Cardio in Combination with Strength Training- If you need... Read More

Optimize Your Exercise: Maximizing the Time Spent Working Out

Diet and Exercise are the inseparable twins that are seen... Read More

Want To Get In Shape? Watch Another Infomercial!

You know I have always wondered how people of yesteryear,... Read More

Sports Specific Exercise

The Greek physician Galen (AD 129 ? 210) is generally... Read More

Use an Exercise Training Diary to Keep Your Workouts on Track

A road map is a very handy tool when you're... Read More

Best Abdominal Exercises to Get the Sexy Six Pack You Deserve

The key to getting those sexy abdominals lies mainly on... Read More

Essential Power Walking Tips

Ever since I took a power walking class in college,... Read More

Get Fit From Home!

Using Things Around The House Don't feel that just because... Read More

Lance Armstrong?s Training Tactics ? The Tortoise or the Hare?

I have been counseling people on weight loss, exercise efficiency... Read More

Exercising - Ways of staying motivated!

The number one reason people say they do not exercise... Read More

Debunking the Myth of Spot Reduction

Do you ever wonder how to shrink the fat on... Read More

The New Lover Approach to Starting an Exercise Program

Approach a New Exercise Program Like a New LoverHow many... Read More

Weight Loss and Exercise in Tough Environmental Conditions

Working out is working out, right?Wrong.Depending on the environmental conditions... Read More

Do You Want To Be A Bodybuilding Champion ? The Power Behind The PEN!

IT ALL STARTED ON A TYPICAL NOVEMBER MORNING back in... Read More

The Importance of Stretching Exercises

Muscles and connective tissues shorten over time and that results... Read More

Bodybuilding and Exercise ? The Ten Commandments in Making of a Champion!

1. Fill your life up with different hobbies! ? Bodybuilding... Read More

What is the Best Exercise for Weight Loss?

It is a common misconception that aerobic exercise tones/firms muscles.... Read More

Is It Safe To Start An Exercise Program?

I think the real question is "How safe is it... Read More

Doing vs. Performing: The Difference Between Exercising and Getting Results

Back when I was young and living on my parents'... Read More

Do You Have A Fitness Battle Plan?

In fitness, as in war, you want to be on... Read More

When Exercising Right Looks Wrong

For most of us we live in a black and... Read More

Defeating Back Pain Forever

Back pain, one of the most common physical, and debilitating... Read More

The Amazing Health Benefits of Walking for Exercise

Walking for exercise is a purposeful, brisk walk specifically designed... Read More

Weight Loss, Bodybuilding, and Exercise Tips ? Keeping Your Body-fat Low; Part 1 of 10

Ever go to a party and wish you were the... Read More