The Original Muscle Weight Gain & Muscle Building Blog!!

Do you find yourself making resolutions about exercising to get in shape and build muscle mass, but never seem to stick to the resolution? This “How-to” can help you with some ideas to provide the little nudge you need.

1. Do something you enjoy. If you like it, it’s more likely you’ll keep at it. Not all workouts are at a gym: try biking, inline skating, rowing, skateboarding, swimming, hockey, a rugby team, even dancing in your bedroom with an iPod. Enjoyment is the key to sticking with it.

2. Make a commitment. Don’t just make a mental promise to yourself. Get a journal. Write down what you want to accomplish and a time frame for reaching your goals. Make a contract and sign it.

3. Don’t Shoot for the Stars… yet. If you’ve never worked out before or haven’t worked out in a long time, don’t expect you’ll be able to work out for an hour a day, six days a week. Try starting out with three, 30 minute sessions of aerobic exercise per week. Then after two weeks, incorporate two weight lifting sessions in between your aerobic days.

4. Spread the Word! Tell your husband, wife, sister, friends–anyone. We always do better when we think someone else is watching! Don’t be obnoxious and remind everyone all the time, but let your close friends and relatives know about your goals. Ask them to encourage you once in a while. Sometimes, it’s nice to remind your grandma not to stock her kitchen with all those scrumptious goodies.

5. Get out the Charts. You can weigh yourself, although weight is not always an accurate view of fitness. Record your weight, height, and BMI. Though these aren’t accurate views of how you are doing, it’s sweet to look back when your done with it all and feel satisfied. Also, take measurements of your waist, hips, thighs, and neck. These are much more accurate.

6. Learn. If you are shooting to lose weight, you MUST learn to eat healthy. Don’t fall into a diet. Things like Weight Watchers can help you to learn, but I simply recommend using yourself. See tips for more help.

7. Drink! Drinking Water is the absolute best thing you can do for your body. It makes your skin glow, and aids very much in working out. Always carry water with you to workout sessions.

8. Have Fun! Leaving on the same note we started, working out is not fun if you constantly think, “When am I going to get skinny?”. Grab a friend and dance! Go play tag, or have races!