Even the best designed fitness programs can fail if you are missing the 3 most important ingredients. I get asked all the time what is the key to succeeding with your fitness program? Is the key doing high intensity exercise, lots of cardio, or reducing calories? Over the years I have come to look at 3 key ingredients that any successful fitness program has. They are Accountability, Proper Programming and Community. It may seem simple but the majority of people fail to complete this trio in their programs. In my hands on experience I have found people about 75% more likely to continue with a program when these 3 are part of the overall scheme of things.
I will cover these in 3 segments, first is Accountability.
To be successful this is the first step to establish a source of accountability. This could be an exercise partner, trainer, instructor or family member. Someone else who is going to “team up” with you for support and keep you motivated to stay with it. This could also be a virtual coach, like what we will be offering with the Fitness Project. With smart phones and text and email there are lots of ways to set up a system to keep you accountable.
Next week I will discuss the second component – proper programming. The emphasis on “proper”.
Colin Cree – CSCS