Anticipating Problems

I find that one of the best ways to stay with an exercise program is to anticipate problems ahead of time so that I have a plan for returning to my routine after it has been disrupted. This process can be as simple as expecting that at some point you will miss one or more exercise sessions and identifying a broad plan for returning to activity.

You can also prepare for unexpected setbacks. What will you do if the facility at which you exercise closes, even temporarily? You may not have planned for this specific event, but if you have already worked out an alternate routine, you can fall back on it until you develop a new permanent program. The gym where I do my resistance training is a university facility, so it often closes or alters its hours when the students are on break. I have some small hand and cuff weights, so that I can work out at home whenever necessary. I did not anticipate this exact problem, but I knew there would be days that I could not get into the university and developed a home routine to use at such times.

Think about the past year in relation to your schedule, your health, and any unforeseen occurrences. Using the last year as a guideline, you can anticipate potential breaks in your schedule and develop a plan to deal with them. For example, most people had colds or other temporary illness within the last year. When you do not have fever or a chest infection, physicians often suggest that you continue mild activity, because it helps the immune system. A short walk and flexibility activities are still possible; you can even walk indoors. With a more severe illness, you need rest and should stop most of your exercise routine. Range of motion activities are still feasible, and they help fend off the increased stiffness that often accompanies bed rest.