Making Exercise Work for You / Do New Year's Resolutions to Exercise Work?

Many new and returning exercisers are already floundering in their attempts to stick to New Year's resolutions regarding fitness goals. That being the case, fulfilling realistic resolutions without getting swamped by life's many distractions might be as psychologically rewarding as the exercise is physically rewarding.

An article in the Penn State Sports Medicine Newsletter suggests that as many as half of the people who begin an exercise program drop out within six months. Even dedicated exercisers may get temporarily or permanently sidetracked by sudden changes in their personal circumstances.

David Yukelson, Ph.D., a Penn State sports psychologist and member of the Newsletter's editorial board, describes some of the forces working against exercisers at all levels.

"Most exercisers are committed," Yukelson told the newsletter. "They set goals and they take pride in the accomplishment of sustaining an exercise program. Setting realistic goals is very important.

"While beginning exercisers frequently try to do too much too quickly, some veterans spend too much time trying to achieve goals that are not consistent with their age, available time, or responsibilities. Each person has to settle into a program that is reasonable in terms of frequency, duration, and intensity."

Yukelson also advises that programs be individualized according to the activities the exerciser enjoys, since no one is likely to continue doing something they consider oppressive, regardless of the health benefits. If the individual does not enjoy jogging, cycling or swimming, alternative exercises can still be found.

Furthermore, support from spouses, family and peers leads to adherence. People are more likely to make exercise a habit when they have partners or colleagues who agree on its importance than would otherwise be the case.

Other barriers to fitness goals include time, travel, expense, facilities and work demands, but despite it all, exercise should be scheduled or it might never happen. Travelers can look for hotel, public or club facilities in the cities they are visiting. If the cost of joining a health club is prohibitive, exercisers can look into lower cost memberships at YMCA, YWCA, college, or church facilities.

Understanding the benefits of starting or continuing an exercise program is a good first step, but the Newsletter article suggests that getting past the intellectual preliminaries and focusing on the program itself makes a big mental difference. Holding firm to one's resolve for more than six months could make exercise a lifelong habit.

The Penn State Sports Medicine Newsletter is a monthly publication of Penn State's Center for Sports Medicine. For subscription information, call (800) 825-0061.

Author: Gary Cramer, Penn State Department of Public Information

Take this preliminaryto see if your condition could respond to treatment.
Not sure on your treatment options? For a limited time you can schedule a to talk with a licensed doctor or clinician regarding your condition.

Use our NutritionLocator to find a doctor in your area.