How to match personal goals with exercise

When you're ready to make physical changes in your life, setting goals the right way can get you there. Here are 4 easy strategies to help you.

The hardest part about an exercise routine is getting started. Once you've gotten over that hump and it becomes part of your life, you can settle into the routine and focus on feeling and looking better.

There are several different approaches you can in matching your personal goals to exercise, depending on what you're after.

Gain New Friends

Exercise and sports are one of the best ways of increasing your social circle, as you know that everyone you meet will all have at least that activity in common. There's also less pressure to be "on" when you're working out because everyone's in pretty much the same boat.

As well, you can use each other for support when one of you is feeling not quite motivated in getting physical that day. That boost in caring and compassion is a great way to increase the friendly feelings toward each other and strengthen the bonds of friendship. Plus, when you have another person counting on your for their exercise routine, it's hard to not show up that day.

Become a Fitter You

Exercise is the only way you can increase your physical endurance and stamina, and there's a huge variety of exercises you can do to achieve this personal goal. Aerobic exercises, like swimming, jogging or cycling, are great at boosting your cardiovascular system and giving you extra energy and endurance. For general strength increase and an added ability to recover quickly from illnesses or injuries, anaerobic exercises can be the ones to pursue.

But if your general goal is to become fit, consider mixing the two together to get maximum benefit. You'll also want to vary the types of exercises you do each day so your body doesn't become "bored" and can get fitter faster.

Get to a Healthier Weight

The main goal of exercise should be to feel better about yourself, but losing weight can be a neat byproduct of that. You'll mostly be able to achieve this with aerobic activities, as that'll burn the calories needed for your body to start burning fat. Be careful to eat healthy and not to overdo things so your body doesn't start digesting muscle tissues, which you need to stay healthy.

Help Prevent Diseases

There is no one way to help prevent diseases, but using exercise can be one of them. Talk to your doctor about the things you can and should be doing before you start your exercise regime, and work up in intensity gradually. Getting the blood pumping and good chemicals flowing in your body can be a way to help you feel better if you're trying to prevent a disease or fighting off an illness.

Matching personal goals to exercise is a great way of adding motivation to make sure you reach your goals. Incorporate it into your everyday life to make it happen even more strongly.