9781422286951

Text-Dependent Questions 1. How can setting goals help you start exercising and stick with it? 2. What is motivation, and how does it relate to working out? 3. What are two ways someone might choose to keep moti- vated to work out?

4. What are the basic parts of a f itness plan? 5. Why should you write down your f itness plan?

First, choose your type of exercise. You clearly have many choices to choose from. For a more structured workout, go to a yoga or Pilates class, or find a core workout video online. To introduce some creativity into your routine, you could also come up with your own set of exercises you think will strengthen your core. Keep it simple, at least at first. Then decide on when you want to work out. Aim for two or three days a week for a start. But if all you can fit in is one day a week, that’s better than nothing! Choose some days and mark them on your calendar. Finally, decide on how long you want to exercise each time you work out. Start slow and work your way up. Twenty minutes might be a good beginning length of time, working up to an hour. Write down your plan and look at it frequently. Include your goals, your plan for motivation, your workout routine, and your schedule. You could write it on a white board in your room, or keep it in a document on your computer. As long as you don’t forget about it, your plan will be a visible reminder to you how important your workout routine is.

Making a Plan to Strengthen Your Core

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