Nautilus EV7.18 - Manual (Page 32)

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C HA NG I N G T H E G A M E I N H EA LT H A N D F I T N E S S ™
30
Steps to Getting Started
Once you have made the commitment to start exercising at home, here are
some suggestions that may help you stay motivated.
The fi rst step is the most diffi cult. Any new habit is diffi cult to establish at fi rst,
but it can be done. Be patient, and plan to start slow and easy. Less is more
when you are fi rst starting out… don’t overdo it!
Get a physical exam. If you have been inactive for several years or new to an
exercise program, be sure to ask your doctor before beginning any exercise
program. Especially if you are over 30, have health problems or have a history of
heart disease in your family.
Plan for your home fi tness center. Set aside an area or a room in your house or
apartment that is exclusively for fi tness, and make sure that it is as comfortable
as possible, so you’ll enjoy using it. If you like music, watching television
or looking outside while exercising, make sure these things are accessible.
Remember, if you don’t enjoy the space you are exercising in, you won’t be
motivated to continue your program.
Find an exercise buddy. Research has shown that starting an exercise
program with someone can increase your chances of sticking to it. If you have
a buddy that is also starting a program, you can encourage, motivate and
challenge each other.
Make fi tness a part of your schedule. Include it in your daily planner just as
you would any other appointment. Plan ahead for the week so that you can
be sure to fi t it in. Even if you are pressed for time one day, a little exercise is
better than none at all. Do what you can to fi t it in, even if you have less time
than you hoped for.
Use positive affi rmations. Affi rmations will help you program your
subconscious to accept new beliefs. Saying to yourself a couple of times a day,
“I am living a healthier lifestyle by exercising several times per week at home,”
can help you stay on track.
Set goals. Setting goals can be helpful in keeping you motivated, but remember
to keep them realistic. Short-term and long-term goals can make this easier.
How many days do you want to exercise this week? How many workouts would
you like to have done in 90 days or a year?
EXERCISE & FITNESS GUIDELINES