Tips for exercise success:

• Think about and write down SMART goals. This goal setting technique is discussed in the Goal Setting section under “Getting Started”.
• Meet with an LCC instructor to discuss a plan! If you are having trouble determining your goals, they can help you do that too.
• Consistency is a key to exercise success. Doing some exercise on a regular basis is more effective than getting in a crushing workout once a week, which can take days to recover from.
• Schedule your exercise as if you would any other class or appointment. Set aside 30 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week. You do not need to be exercising for an hour to get an effective workout! If you aren’t sure how to make the most out of the time you’ve committed to exercise, meet with an LCC instructor who can help!
• Consider when might be the best time for you to exercise and stick to it. Some people find if they exercise in the first part of the day, they feel accomplished because it is done! Others like to exercise later in the day, de-stressing from events earlier in the day. The optimal time of day to exercise is the time that you will actually do it!
• Always choose some exercise over none. If you don’t have time to fit in a full workout, then select one or two exercises that you can fit in in the moment. For example, doing 3 sets of 10 body weight squats is better than doing nothing!
• Gather support from those around you. If you you have a friend you can meet up with and exercise together, great! Share your progress with family and friends who will understand the importance of your commitment to yourself and encourage you to continue.
• Listen to your body. If you are sore from a strength training workout, then give those sore muscles a break and do some recovery cardio exercise instead.
• Don’t let awkwardness or lack of skill stop you. That is why fitness facilities at LCC are staffed with experienced professionals. They are there to help you gain competence and confidence so you feel like you know what you are doing!
• Wear proper exercise clothing and shoes. For example, if your feet are getting blisters, try wearing socks designed for athletics – not cotton socks! Any LCC fitness instructor can provide more guidance on this. Just ask!
• What if I am sick? If you are achy and have a fever, do not exercise! If you are experiencing mild cold symptoms, it is safe to continue to exercise at a level that is comfortable to you, however, we ask that all sick individuals find ways to be active at home and not come to the fitness facilities at LCC.