How to Stick to Your Golf Fitness Program
How many times have you started an
exercise program only to quit soon after? We are all guilty of this. Why
does it happen? How can we see it coming and get through it? Good
questions, right? Well that’s what I’m going to talk about. I’ll bet
you’ve said some of these statements before:
·
Don’t have the
time
·
Don’t have the
energy
·
I’ve tried, but
just can’t lose the weight
·
Overwhelming and
don’t know how to get started
·
Too many other
commitments
·
It’s the
holidays, I’ll start right after
·
I’m getting
older, aren’t I supposed to be getting stiff, sore and overweight
As you can see, this can be a vicious
cycle that you may never get out of. The only way to stick to your program
long-term is to realize the benefits that lie ahead. If you can picture
yourself losing weight, getting stronger, hitting your drives further and
playing your best golf – it will make it much easier to be consistent
with your program. Here are a few tips to help you stick to your program:
·
Be realistic as
to how many times per week you think you can exercise. It’s so easy to say
you’ll do it everyday, but remember where your starting point is. If you
haven’t been exercising for 3 months or more, I would strongly recommend
picking a goal of 2 times a week for starters. As you prove to yourself you
can do this, then bump it up to 3 or more times a week.
·
Assess your
strengths and weaknesses, and prioritize accordingly. It is much easier to
break down your workout times to just the areas you need work. For example,
if you need to lose some weight (fat), spend a greater percentage of time
doing cardiovascular activity. If you want to improve strength and lean
muscle, spend more time strength training.
·
Choose a time
that is consistent each day you work out. I know for myself, if I do it
first thing in the morning, I am much more consistent. If I get up late and
try to do it later, it’s much more difficult and easier to come up with
excuses. Be aware of when you have the most energy. Are you a morning
person or an evening person? This is very important when it comes to
sticking to your fitness program long-term!
·
Find a
motivational calendar that gives you a different tip or statement every
day. I think these calendars work great! I have one next to my computer
with success quotes I read everyday. It helps you plug along.
·
And lastly have
a support network of family or friends. Even go as far as getting a workout
partner. This is one of the best ways to keep each other motivated. When
one of you doesn’t feel like exercising usually the other one is there to
keep you going.
I hope you have found this article helpful
in sticking to your program. Remember that your goal is a healthy, strong
body and great golf! If you can remember this, you will be very successful
with your program and reap ALL the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Your
golf game will thank you for it!
*******************************************************************************
This article was written by:
© Mike Pedersen
The Golf Trainer
Golf-Trainer.com
“Your online guide for optimal golf
performance!”
For customized golf-specific conditioning
programs, exercises, tips,
video demonstrations and instructions all
to improve your game - please
visit
www.golf-trainer.com.
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