If you're like many women, you know that you need to exercise in order to have the body you desire, but you're just not sure where to begin. And worse, you're afraid of failure because you've started workout routines in the past and somehow never stuck with them.
I inserted a quote on my website which I absolutely love because it really is the key to success. Jim Rohn once said "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment". Before starting an exercise routine it's important to understand that discipline is really all you need to accomplish any goal you choose, whether it's fitness, weight loss or a job promotion. Once you're disciplined there's no doubt that you will succeed.
To help you get started I've outlined some fitness tips that have proven to be extremely beneficial.
• Get Motivated—As with any lifestyle change, success is only possible if you are motivated to make that change and are willing to do so for you. Get yourself into the mindset that says "I can do this and I will succeed." With the right attitude, failure is impossible and success is the only possible outcome. My former boss always told his employees to avoid using the "T" word: "Try." When you say you'll "try" to do something it really means you're not going to do all that you possibly can to successfully reach your goal. Just know that you can do whatever it is you put your mind to, especially when it comes to getting fit.
• Consult a Physician—Generally, if you're under 45 and in good health you probably don't need to consult a physician before you begin your exercise routine. If, however, you are over 45 and have any type of medical condition it's best to consult your healthcare provider prior to beginning any type of physical activity or exercise program. You'll want to avoid doing too much too soon, as this may lead to serious injury.
• Join a Gym—By joining a gym you are making the commitment to become fit. Don't say "I'll start Monday" because there's no time like the present. When you allow yourself the extra time to continue being a couch potato and make the statement that you'll begin your exercise routine in a few days what you're really saying is "I'm not motivated and I'm just too lazy to make a commitment. Period." Go on the Internet and/or open a phone book and start calling local gyms in your area. Once you've visited these facilities and have found one whose equipment is consistent with your workout, join immediately and begin exercising that same day.
• Consistency is the Key—If you want results from your exercise routine you need to be consistent. In other words, attending your gym five days a week for the first two weeks, taking a week off and then showing up once or twice a week for the next two weeks will simply not bring results. Consistency really is the key to a successful exercise routine. Once you've made the commitment to become fit, you need to be present for that commitment. View exercising as if it's a job—something you need to do. Or, look at it this way: if you need dialysis every single day of your life in order to live, you will make the time for your dialysis treatment. Why wouldn't you do the same to be healthy and fit?
• Small Steps to Success—It's so very important to keep in mind that every single accomplishment you make, no matter how small or large, is indeed another step toward your success. Your goal may be to look like a super model, but remember that it's going to take a succession of small steps before you reach your ultimate goal. It's best to measure your success with each small step or accomplishment you make because this will keep you motivated. In other words, if your goal is to lose ten inches from your thighs and you've lost a half-inch after 30 days of exercise, don't think of this as a failure because it's not; this small step has actually taken you that much closer to successfully reaching your goal.
• Be Properly Equipped—I can't stress enough how much easier your exercise routine will be if you have the proper equipment with you when you arrive at the gym. Here's a list of items you'll want to have with you when you begin exercising.
1. A small hand towel for excess sweat
2. A pair of safe comfortable running shoes, preferably with a cushioned sole
3. iPod© or small music player (especially good for cardio workouts)
4. Comfortable, cool and stretchy clothing that allows for easy movement
5. Large bottle of very cold water
6. A positive "can-do" attitude
Stick with these tips and you'll no doubt be feeling and looking exactly as you desire; you will indeed have crossed the bridge and found yourself on the other side - accomplishment - there's no better feeling.
Related Articles
Your Body Is Precious - Make It A Priority
By: Susan Megge | 05/01/2007 | Women's Issues
If you were told that you could earn one million dollars simply by spending an hour each day working on a farm, would you do it? Let's say you were offered free tickets - the best in the house - for your favorite artist, and a subsequent visit with that...
Strength Training Benefits Women
By: Susan Megge | 14/11/2006 | Careers
If you're a woman considering the possibility of exercising regularly, you may be wondering which type of fitness program is the most effective. I highly suggest that you give some serious thought to weight training.
Perimenopause And Phantom Periods
By: Susan Megge | 12/01/2007 | Women's Issues
If you've experienced symptoms exactly like those that may occur when you're expecting your period, but no period is present or ever arrives, it's most likely that you're having a "phantom" period.
Phantom periods are described as a period minus the menses. In other words, you may feel irritable, bloated, fatigued,...
Get Beautiful Shoulders With These Exercise Moves
By: Taylor Ryan | 07/01/2008 | Muscle Building
This is geared towards women to show them the best exercise moves to sculpt great shoulders and arms. The moves are through weight lifting.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Cardio?
By: Christine Erickson | 30/01/2008 | Weight Loss
The point of engaging in the endless hours of running on a treadmill or stepping on the stairclimber is to burn calories and lose weight, but is that what you are actually accomplishing? There has got to be an easier and faster way to fit health promoting and weightloss exercises into our lives.
How to Choose a Home Fitness Program
By: Linda Schnable | 06/04/2008 | Women's Health
Everyone can benefit from exercise and good nutrition. Most women know that the right combination of exercise and nutrition can result in fat loss, increased muscle strength and improved energy. The rewards of a comprehensive fitness program are tremendous and extremely beneficial. Once you decide that you actually wish to change to a healthier lifestyle, a fitness program can be a great way to get into shape. How do you decide which fitness program is best for you?
Women and Exercise: Bringing our Metabolism Out of the Toilet
By: Christine Erickson | 27/02/2008 | Weight Loss
As women our metabolisms seem to go further down the toilet with every year that passes. Allow we have heard it a thousand times; muscle building exercise is the answer. This does not need to be a complicated and frustrating endeavor.
Women And Weight Gain
By: Susan Megge | 26/12/2006 | Health
Most women can't compete with the images we see all around us - from sexy, beautiful young models on magazine covers to gorgeous, hot middle aged housewives who call themselves desperate. This leads many of us to believe that these women have tools available to them that the rest of...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Weight Bearing activities
By: DebR | 11-07-2008
How Do weight bearing activities benefit the musculoskeletal system?
Need to know now!!!
By: zoey78 | 10-07-2008
what if you are 9 weeks pregnant and take the morning after pill. Will it cause an early abortion??
Are there any permanent effects of hemorrhagic ...
By: sarita | 10-07-2008
Are there any permanent effects of hemorrhagic dengue fever?
What was the name of the epidsode on discovery health channel mystery diagnosis
By: pooh | 10-07-2008
I would like to know the name of the episode on the discovery health channel about a mystery diagnosis. Where a young girl vommited all the time and had abdominal pain. They removed her gallbladder and apendix and in a day she was violently ill again. A gastro doctor ran a ercp and found that her pancrease wasn't functioning properly. What was the name of the episode or the dr's name?
Green around the gills?
By: hollybug85 | 10-07-2008
Why do some people get a slightly green-ish tinge on their face when they are nauseous?
Today I vomited and there were 4 gluophage that I ...
By: Terry | 10-07-2008
Today I vomited and there were 4 gluophage that I had not digested that I had taken the night before at 7pm and this morning at 6 am. I have been on this medicine for at least 5 years. I vomited at 3 pm today. I had nausea all day. Should the pills still be in my stomach at so much time. They really looked like they did when I took them. Thank you,Terry
Q&A Powered by:
More from Susan Megge
Weight Affects Self Esteem, Health And Contributes To Discrimination
By: Susan Megge | 18/01/2007 | Women's Issues
The recent Rosie vs. Donald "War of Words" has people across the nation taking sides. Donald's harsh words regarding Rosie's weight have many people outraged - and rightfully so. Unfortunately, it seems as though discriminating against those women who are considered "fat" has become the norm and is quite often...
Perimenopause And Phantom Periods
By: Susan Megge | 12/01/2007 | Women's Issues
If you've experienced symptoms exactly like those that may occur when you're expecting your period, but no period is present or ever arrives, it's most likely that you're having a "phantom" period.
Phantom periods are described as a period minus the menses. In other words, you may feel irritable, bloated, fatigued,...
Your Body Is Precious - Make It A Priority
By: Susan Megge | 05/01/2007 | Women's Issues
If you were told that you could earn one million dollars simply by spending an hour each day working on a farm, would you do it? Let's say you were offered free tickets - the best in the house - for your favorite artist, and a subsequent visit with that...
Women And Weight Gain
By: Susan Megge | 26/12/2006 | Health
Most women can't compete with the images we see all around us - from sexy, beautiful young models on magazine covers to gorgeous, hot middle aged housewives who call themselves desperate. This leads many of us to believe that these women have tools available to them that the rest of...
Women's Weight Loss Strategies That Work
By: Susan Megge | 06/12/2006 | Careers
If you're like the majority of women, especially those approaching menopause, there's a good chance that you're not satisfied with your weight and you have a strong desire to shed some pounds.
The Fear Of Humiliation And Weight Loss - Is There A Link?
By: Susan Megge | 01/12/2006 | Advice
Recently Kirstie Alley appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, proudly strutting her stuff in nothing more than a lacy bikini.
Strength Training Benefits Women
By: Susan Megge | 14/11/2006 | Careers
If you're a woman considering the possibility of exercising regularly, you may be wondering which type of fitness program is the most effective. I highly suggest that you give some serious thought to weight training.
Exercise Your Way Through Perimenopause
By: Susan Megge | 11/11/2006 | Careers
It's unfortunate, but most women don't realize how crucial a role regular fitness and exercise is to reducing many symptoms associated with perimenopause. As women approach menopause they begin to gain weight, especially around their mid-section.
Careers 
