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Outsmart Exercise Obstacles

From Jennifer R. Scott, About.com GuideOctober 3, 2009

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Having trouble getting in the exercise habit? Do little problems that pop up -- like disagreeable weather or an impromptu meeting -- keep getting you off track? Try writing down your intended workout and a second version with a "back up" plan in case the first doesn't happen.

Women who were requested to tell a workout goal, imagine the results, and list possible obstacles -- along with solutions to them! -- were able to lose more weight, faster, than those who did not. The researchers at Columbia University found those women who spent the time planning out how to avoid their possible obstacles were able to add in an extra hour of activity to their week.

So, pull out your Day Planner and pencil it in: "Tomorrow morning I will walk. If it rains, out comes the Leslie Sansone video." Research aside I've been doing this type of thing for years: Hey, it works for me! Give it a try.

Comments
October 9, 2009 at 2:11 pm
(1) SwedeRic says:

What’s my URL?
This sounds like a good plan — I’m an ace at not doing today what I can put off until tomorrow. But this suggestion is definitely worth a try!

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