How to Decide on an Exercise Program

Exercise is important for every human being. However, we can't all do the same types of exercises. Medical problems, disabilities, age and other factors can affect how you choose an acceptable exercise program. Following a few steps, however, should be helpful in determining the right exercise program for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Obtain your physician's approval for an exercise program. Be sure to make note of any limitations that he makes on your program.
2. Review any and all resource materials that you can find about exercise programs in which you have an interest. These might include programs that use videos, DVD or audio tapes; programs that include specific types of home exercise equipment; programs that require specialized gym equipment; or programs that are available through local resources including private trainers.
3. Decide what it is you want to accomplish through your exercise program. This might include, but are not limited to, things like weight loss, toning, firming, muscle development and overall health and well being.
   
   Set achievable goals and objectives and establish a realistic time line to meet them.
4. Determine any and all issues that impact upon the type of exercise program that you choose. These would include things like medical issues, disabilities, and age. List these for comparison against exercise programs in which you have an interest.
5. Compare what you want to accomplish against your limitations and the various exercise programs in which you have an interest. Work through each program until you determine the ones that best suit your abilities. Eliminate the remaining programs from your list.
6. Make an appointment with a gym that interests you for a walk-through and interview. If they have certain classes that interest you, make arrangements to view the classes in question. The more information that you can gather about the program, the better able you will be to make a determination if it is right for you. Don't be afraid to ask the gym about a "trial membership." Many gyms offer short-term memberships to allow people to get a feel for the programs before committing long-term.
   
   If you decide to pursue this option, be sure to give it sufficient time to work before abandoning it for another option. If you decide that gym membership isn't for you, move on to another option.
7. Determine if there are exercise programs offered on television that might suit what you want to accomplish with your exercise program and fit within your limitations. Such programs are generally offered very early in the morning, before work, or late at night. Some may be found on standard television while others are located on cable stations. Make certain any in which you are interested are available through your television setup.
   
   Tune in to the program for a period of time to see if it meets your particular needs. If it does not, then move on to another option.
8. Check into video, DVD and audio tape exercise programs that might help you accomplish what you want from your exercise program while also meeting your limitations. Some of these options are available through your local library. Try them out to see if they meet your individual needs. Also check local video stores for similar programs that you can rent and try. If the programs work for you, you may opt to purchase them rather than continuing to rent them.
9. Check into pieces of home exercise equipment that might help you to achieve what you want while also dealing with your limitations. There are both expensive and inexpensive options, ranging from electronic treadmills to simple expansion bands. Make note of those pieces in which you are most interested, that fit into your budget and for which you have adequate space. Eliminate everything else.
   
   If you settle on this option, choose one or more pieces to try. If possible, choose those that have a money back guarantee in the event that you decide you don't like them and want to try something else.
10. Check into local private trainers if they fit into your budget. Interview your various options with an eye toward determining which trainer can best help you accomplish what you want while meeting your limitations. Before agreeing to a contract of any kind, work out a short-term "trial" situation where both you and the trainer can determine if the relationship works properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your physician for exercise program recommendations. There is no need to choose rigorous kick boxing if simple walking with achieve the exact same goal.
• Be realistic in setting your exercise goals and objectives.
• Stick to your time line, which should include how often and how long your will exercise.
• Never enter into any exercise program without the approval of your physician.
• Avoid exercise fads. Stick to the basics because they always work.