Have a back up plan

As a personal trainer and coach, I hear all sorts of reasons why people didn't exercise or follow through with their assignments. Life does happen...every day. And it will throw us curve balls. I believe those who achieve their goals are the ones who are prepared for their "what ifs."

Recently, I got approved and accepted to train for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). They are the world's largest certifying agency. The program I will teach is Indoor Cycling, and in one segment, we discuss the "what ifs." What if the mic is broken? What if you forgot your music? What if the electricity goes out? A good instructor has back up plans and is able to confidently handle the situation. Our personal life is no different.

What if your workout buddy is sick? What if a meeting ran late, and you just missed your favorite spin class? What is the weather turned bad, and you can't exercise outside? Have a back up plan like a jump rope (10 minutes of jumping rope equals 50...yes 5-0...minutes of running) or swim suit in your car to do laps. If everything has hit the fan, then jog in place with high knees or do jumping jacks. Something IS better than nothing.

And here is the truth. If you forgo exercising today for a good reason, it is easier to create excuses tomorrow. One day turns into weeks, which turns into months and then years. Don't let your "what ifs" turn into "oh wells!"