How to Avoid Becoming a Fitness Failure ©Rick DeToma

When it comes to fitness, no one likes being a failure, yet more than half of new exercisers quit their program within first six months. With a little help you can ensure you're not one of them. Give these ideas a try as you begin your exercise program for new year.

Set goals If you don't know where you are going, how will you know when you get there? Setting short-term and long-term goals may increase your chance of success. Your goals must give a clear picture of end-point to work towards. Use SMART model, your goal should be Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Without these you’ll never know if you have achieved goal. You can’t just say "lose weight or gain energy." Instead say, "I will lose 10 pounds in 12 weeks by doing strength training 3 times a week and cardio 3 times a week."

Go for variety Whether you do a home workout or belong to a gym, build your routine on cross-training to keep things fresh and interesting, and keep yourself from developing an injury. Frequently vary order of your exercises and mix in dumbbells, barbells, resistance tubing, machine or body weight exercises. Don't be afraid to take a class.

The various certifications through ISSA (completed and in progress) and outstanding support received through ISSA have also played a major role in maintaining client satisfaction and achievement of their individual goals.

In addition to normal procedures of completing a comprehensive Lifestyle/Medical Questionnaire prior to their participation in fitness assessment or training program, all potential clients not suitable for beginning a plan of increased physical activity are asked to seek advise and approval of their physician. Standardization, accuracy and validity of assessments begin with strict pre-assessment protocols and are closely adhered to during assessment. The baseline data obtained from assessment and client’s goals determine training options meticulously designed for individual’s training program. Specificity of training to meet needs of each client equates to satisfaction of their goals and development of long-range lifestyle changes for improved quality of life.