you may find that your numbers don’t change, but you are able to stay in Zone 3 and Zone 4 longer than you used to.

Don’t get too attached to any specific number or target heart rate. If you train properly, you will notice numbers that used to be difficult have now become easier. You will also notice that if you are sick or over-tired, you may find that numbers that usually feel fairly easy are one day much harder, and it is a good sign to take a break. If you notice that numbers that are usually very challenging are one day fairly easy, then it is a good time to push yourself.

Listening to your body, and using your heart rate numbers (when available) will enable you to keep track of your intensity and see your progress as you train.

Beating the Dropout Odds

The Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health summarizes a few main points:

1.Regular physical activity offers substantial improvements in health and well-being for a majority of Americans.

2.If you exercise regularly, you’ll reduce your risk of heart attack, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and even the common cold.

3.Regular exercise, regardless of the intensity, can help you control stress, sleep problems and depression.

The benefits of exercise and activity are AMAZING! And yet, only 22 percent of Americans engage in exercise for 20 minutes a day. And even among individuals who begin exercise programs, the dropout rate is about 50 percent.

So, how do you beat these odds? The answer appears to be in how your start and maintain your exercise program as well as how you create a habit of exercise.

Why are you starting an exercise program? For most individuals, it is to lose weight and look better, which are great reasons. However, since changes in your body shape and size can be gradual, and won’t happen overnight, it is important to focus on other benefits so that you will remain motivated.

Thrive on the energy that exercise gives you. Watch your health risks scores go down. Pay attention to how much easier everyday activity is. Notice how much better you are sleeping. These kind of additional benefits will continue to keep you motivated if you make them just as important to you as weight loss.

Additionally, try not to view exercise as punishment. Look at it as an investment in your health. If you don’t feel motivated to workout one day, think of something that is appealing to you that is active, and change your workout. Try not to let your workout become routine or mundane, and always remember that some exercise is better than none at all. So, if you feel you are not motivated to continue, stop your

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