First Things First!

We all know the saying, "He who fails to plan is planning to fail". So the number one priority is making a plan. It is super important to stay on track and by creating a list of objectives we experience the feeling of progress. According to Workout.com there are 3 steps to making an appropriate workout plan:

• Find your objective. Are you looking to loose weight, gain muscle, improve cardiovascular fitness or maintain weight? 
• A good place to start would be measuring your Body Mass Index (BMI) and determine the category you fall under -- Under Weight, Normal Weight, Over Weight and Obesity.
• Also, find your ideal body weight by using these charts, click here.
• Set your goals.
• Long Term Goals. Examples, I want to loose 20 lbs by May 2011, I want to gain 10 lbs of muscle by April 2011, etc. Be precise with your goals and set a deadline. 
• Short Term Goals. These are the goals you set that let you reach your long term goals. A short term goal is seen as the process towards the larger picture. If you want to loose weight by May then decide how you will attain this goal by day, week, and month. 
• Create a workout plan.
• Once you have found your objectives and goals you will be able to put together a work out routine.

The most important part of making a plan is the actual planning. Plan out details, remember it is the small details that add up. Being task orientated gives purpose, so give your self daily, weekly, monthly and yearly tasks to reach your big goal. Taking action and not quitting are key points while reaching goals. Make deadlines and motivate yourself towards the necessary steps to stay on track.
Use a template, chart or list to keep your goals visually organized. Here is an example.

If you decide you would like to get started on your workout routine, here are some easy pointers to get you started.

1. Use good form. Focus on the muscle group you are trying to work on, and make sure those muscles are the ones doing the work. It is better to do less reps using good form than more reps using bad form. Bad form may lead to injuries and pain.
2. Variation. Keep your body guessing and never let it become accustomed to the same exercises. Mix up your workouts and work all the muscle groups in your body.
3. Loose body fat by doing more cardio and aerobic activity. A daily 20 minute cardio session with a healthy diet should do the trick.
4. Add resistance. If you find a movement too easy, incorporate weights and medicine balls into your workout regimen. 

Work on those goals! Stay fit!