Know the 5 Stages of Getting Fit

1. Pre-contemplation: The period of time before you start thinking about an exercise plan. Yes ~ this means you're a couch potato and you're happy being a couch potato. You're still justifying your muffin top as a little extra pie from Christmas dinner.

2. Contemplation: When the person has a desire to start an exercise program and starts thinking about it. You've finally noticed the bulge over the belt buckle and you start thinking, "Maybe I should cut back on ice cream and do some crunches." You don't actually do that ... but awareness is starting to build.

3. Preparation: Now you're researching what type of exercise you'd like to do, maybe you even buy a fitness magazine or book, or purchase a gym membership. This means you're here, right now, on this site, reading this post and getting information.

4. Action. You have walked into the gym and hopped on the treadmill! You have set up a workout schedule, you've thrown out the junk food, and you've found a friend to go walking with twice a week. You have gone out and bought yourself a cute workout outfit or brand new sneakers. You know you'll be swapping it for a smaller, cuter outfit in just a few weeks or newer sneakers to replace your worn out pair. You are on your way!

5. Maintenance. This is the trickiest stage! According to Anessi, the first six months are fairly easy going when you're trying to reach a fitness or weight goal. After that, you're switching from a routine to a habit. It's easy to slip up at this stage. Keep getting inspired from That's Fit and talking to your doctor, friends and family.

You've got a few days to go until New Year's Day. If you're hovering between contemplation and preparation, do your research and be ready to go on January 1. As a fitness professional, I'll tell you a little secret. While most people make New Year's Resolutions on New Year's Eve, my phone doesn't start ringing with new clients until the third week of January. If you are ready to go on January 1, you'll have five pounds gone before all those other guys even show up!


Ready to get moving now? Here's a step-by-step program to start a walking program.