What should I consider before I start an exercise regimen?

What should I consider before I start an exercise regimen?

John Spencer Ellis (Author, TV Show Host, Trainer and CEO, National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association) gives expert video advice on: What questions should I ask my doctor before starting an exercise program?; How do I know if I'm out of shape?; How do I know if I'm obese? and more...

Before anyone begins an exercise regimen, they need to make sure that they're healthy; in general health. They should also go and get clearance from their primary care physician; their medical doctor. Once that's fine and he/she does the necessary tests and check that off as good to go, then you need to determine exactly what it is that you want to accomplish from your exercise regimen. Then, you find the qualified fitness professional that will guide you on that journey. You also determine what equipment that you will need in your exercise regimen, and so forth. Here's the other thing too; it's unlikely that a mature adult is going to do gymnastics, and it is unlikely that someone who has never ridden a bike is going to try to train for the iron man. So, know your outcome, be realistic, and set immediate, intermediate, and long-term goals for your exercise regimen. An immediate goal would be something such as 'This week I will get to the gym or use my own gym equipment three times a week; Monday, Wednesday, Friday'. An intermediate goal is 'I'm going to continue to train and in three months, I'm going to run my first 5k'. A long-term goal would be 'Now that I've done that 5k, I'm going to a 1k or half marathon, or even a marathon, in one to two to three years from now'. So, they're all important, and most important is they can be modified at any point in time when you have reached that point in the future.