Schwinn 430 User Manual

STEPS TO GETTING STARTED

Once you have made the commitment to start exercising at home, here are

some suggestions that may help you stay motivated.

The first step is the most difficult. Any new habit is difficult to establish at

first, but it can be done. Be patient, and plan to start slow and easy. Less is

more when you are first starting out … don’t overdo it!

Get a physical exam. If you have been inactive for several years or new to

an exercise program, be sure to ask your doctor before beginning any exercise

program. Especially if you are over 30, have health problems or have a history

of heart disease in your family.

Plan for your home fitness center. Set aside an area or a room in your

house or apartment that is exclusively for fitness, and make sure that it is as

comfortable as possible, so you’ll enjoy using it. If you like music, watching

television or looking outside while exercising, make sure these things are

accessible. Remember, if you don’t enjoy the space you are exercising in,

you won’t be motivated to continue your program.

Find an exercise buddy. Research has shown that starting an exercise pro-

gram with someone can increase your chances of sticking to it. If you have

a buddy that is also starting a program, you can encourage, motivate and

challenge each other.

Make fitness a part of your schedule. Include it in your daily planner just

as you would any other appointment. Plan ahead for the week so that you

can be sure to fit it in. Even if you are pressed for time one day, a little

exercise is better than none at all. Do what you can to fit it in, even if you

have less time than you hoped for.

Use positive affirmations. Affirmations will help you program your

subconscious to accept new beliefs. Saying to yourself a couple of times a

day, “I am living a healthier lifestyle by exercising several times per week at

home,” can help you stay on track.

Set goals. Setting goals can be helpful in keeping you motivated, but

remember to keep them realistic. Short-term and long-term goals can make

this easier. How many days do you want to exercise this week? How many

workouts would you like to have done in 90 days or a year?

FIT