Improving Exercise Adherence

You can use several methods to maintain your adherence to an exercise program. In chapter 1, I suggest that you identify support mechanisms-ways to encourage yourself to stick with your program. Some of these elements must be addressed before you begin a program, such as a facility s location and accessibility, convenient times to work out, and individuals who will either exercise with you or reinforce your participation in a program. Other strategies for continuing to exercise are things you can do once you have started a program. Such strategies anticipate problems and develop alternative exercise routines if, for instance, your arthritis flares up, your partner cannot join you, or some other unplanned change in your routine occurs.

Anticipating Problems

Dealing With a Flare-up