Projo Fitness Blog

Journal photo / Bob Thayer
Jessica Garriepy of Glocester, works as a balloon stylist at Ballooney Tunes in North Providence.

So, you've told yourself you're going to get more fit in 2009. Great.

But what now? The first thing you DON'T want to do is to wake up, put on your running shoes and pull a hamstring. Nor do you want to start dieting. Don't do it. You won't last through the month.

Start slow. Yes, put on your sneakers (unless you intend to do Pilates or yoga, then bare feet are OK). Start walking. Find a pedometer and try to work up to 10,000 steps a day. That will put you on the road to fitness.

Resolving to get back to the gym? If you've joined a gym before, remember that this is their busy time of year. By February, the parking lots are usually a lot more empty because of all the exercisers who have fallen off the wagon.

I recommend starting at home. Just one piece of equipment -- like an exercise bike or treadmill, can be a great thing when you're starting out and don't know if you want to face the Barbies at the local fitness center.

But if buying a treadmill doesn't fit your budget, get something simple like a mat and an exercise ball and do some stomach crunches.

Also, you can always rent a yoga or Pilates instructional DVD to try out those great workouts.

The key is to start slow, maybe a doable 20 minutes every other day (gives your muscles a rest in between workouts). Try to start your day with a workout, so excuses don't get in the way.

To stay motivated, remind yourself how good you feel: You'll get more sleep, have more energy, and added confidence.

More tips are coming. In the meantime, keep your eye on your goal: a better you in 2009.

 Tags  fitness getting started New Year's resolution

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