How should I plan my workout routine when I start exercising?

When you start exercising, it is important to keep your workout routine simple. Do not make an elaborate plan with multilevel goals. Go for a walk, run, swim, or row -- anything that is logistically practical for you. Remember that just making the decision to exercise does not erase years of sedentary buildup, so don't try to make it up all at once. Many people start with walking first. It is simple and logistically practical since you can just open the front door and start, and let's face it, there is no new skill to learn.


In addition to being simple, you also need to be very specific when you are planning your upcoming launch into activity. Know the activity and the day and time you will participate in it, as well as what you hope to accomplish before you begin. Write it down in your calendar or set an alarm on your phone.


Being strategic in your planning is very important. You strategically plan every day in business, your finances, and your social activities. Why not apply the same discipline that works in other parts of your life to caring for your body? A daily strategic plan might read:

Saturday at 3:30 p.m.: Walk in North Park for 35 minutes with my heartrate at 65 percent maximum. Make a plan for each day of the week even if the plan for Sunday says: Rest and restore all day.

If you’re new to working out or coming back after a long layoff start with a thorough physical from your physician to make sure you’re ready to start a program. Once you’ve been cleared it’s important to start slow and create clear manageable realistic goals that will help set up for success. By setting small manageable goals you will stay motivated and will strive to continue to succeed. Start with a simple goal of walking for 30 minutes three times a week, this goal that is specific, realistic and targeted and easy to reach. Once you have reached this goal expand into a further goal like walking five days a week or adding 1-2 days a week of resistance training. Continue to add small and attainable goals, which will set you up on the path to success.