As a strength and conditioning coach to many area high school athletes, I have had the opportunity to interact with many parents.

I have witnessed the strong support and encouragement the parents provide for their children to become physically fit in order to maximize their (the children’s) sport performance. The parents of student athletes deeply understand that physical fitness is an essential element to optimal sports performance. Physical fitness is also important for those who are not involved with athletics. It is important that parents, adults in general, take the opportunity to increase and maintain their fitness levels.
Often times, parents are so busy with their work schedules, transporting children back and forth from practice, and other time consuming tasks, that exercise is placed on indefinite hold. We’ve all been there and we’ve all done it. We’ve all made resolutions and, because of life circumstances, have not been able to make time for that one task that is essential for healthy living. Whether you resolve to lose ten pounds, begin a daily exercise program, or spend thirty minutes a day on meditation and stress release, the three keys to successful exercise is:

1. Keeping a record of the days you exercise (mark it on your calendar)
2. Knowing that there will be days when you don’t meet your expectations
3. Being gentle on yourself on those days (don’t allow those negative thoughts to enter and look at that exercise log to remind you of what you have accomplished.)

Exercise goals cannot be viewed as all-or-nothing. The all-or-nothing perspective sets the novice exerciser up for failure. Don’t view your first slip-up as the end to the entire effort–that one piece of chocolate cake doesn’t mean your entire weight loss is ruined, or that one cigarette doesn’t mean you’re doomed to be a smoker for the rest of your life. Be flexible and , most importantly, try to understand WHY you were not able to stick to your goals.

Research has shown that negative moods, such as anger, frustration, disappointment, or depression, are often the reason people are unable to make behavior changes. You are mad at your employer, so you comfort yourself by not exercising. You are upset with your mate, so you eat a whole bag of cookies. These reactions just add another link to the chain of events which destroy both your positive self-image and your resolutions. Keeping a positive outlook and high self-esteem are critical to any successful change. Avoid labeling yourself as “good” or “bad” and instead, try to determine what works best towards helping you achieve your goals.

One of the quickest ways to sabotage your efforts is by starting with goals that are too lofty. The first, and perhaps most important, step towards change is setting a goal which is achievable. Stating you’ll never miss a workout or you’ll exercise two hours every day is not realistic for someone who just beginning to exercise. It’s better to set small goals and meet success. These smaller goals are the building blocks for the larger goals.

Make yourself a priority! Give yourself time to work towards your new goals. Embrace a healthy and balanced outlook on life and get excited about what you can achieve. Remember–inch by inch is a cinch, but yard by yard is hard!