Your Personal Fitness Plan
Change text size
How to Beat the Odds and Stick With an Exercise Program
How many times have you started an exercise program, only to quit within a year? You're not alone. The odds are a person who begins an exercise program will not be exercising a year later.
But, like Marjorie Ludwig of Fargo, you can beat the odds. Four years ago, Ludwig's doctor recommended an exercise program to help her lose those extra pounds that had snuck up when she was in her 40s. Today, she's still exercising ... and still enjoying it.
"In the past, boredom and motivation were the biggest problems for me," Ludwig says. "But at MeritCare, there's been enough variety that boredom hasn't had the chance to set in. And the motivation problem has been overcome in several ways -- personal training that's made me feel competent in using the equipment; professional trainers who are kind, friendly and helpful; and the friendships that have developed with other clients who exercise at the same time I do."
Rory Beil, exercise physiologist at MeritCare, agrees that variety in exercise, competence in using equipment and social interaction can be major factors in sticking with an exercise program. And he offers a couple more:
Family support.
"Individuals whose families appreciate the health benefits of exercise are more successful in making exercise a part of their lives," he says. "They have support for making it a priority."Outdoor exercise.
"Even at MeritCare, where we have a large variety of machines and exercise classes, I still suggest to people that they get outside every now and then and do something different -- ride bike, rollerblade, walk, go for a run," he says. "A change of venue helps you stay fresh mentally and keeps you going physically."
In the end, is sticking with an exercise program worth the trouble? For Ludwig it is." I've achieved more than my goals," she says. "Last year I could throw those 80-pound sandbags, I can still keep up with our three children, and even though I have a few aches and pain to work around -- what 53-year-old doesn't? --I have lots of energy. And the best benefit of all, I've had fewer illnesses."