How to stick to your golf fitness program

How many times have you started an exercise program only to quit soon after? We are all guilty of this. Why does it happen? How can we see it coming and get through it? Good questions, right? Well that's what I'm going to talk about. I'll bet you've said some of these statements before:

- Don't have the time
- Don't have the energy
- I've tried, but just can't lose the weight
- Overwhelming and don't know how to get started
- Too many other commitments
- It's the holidays, I'll start right after
- I'm getting older, aren't I supposed to be getting stiff, sore and overweight

As you can see, this can be a vicious cycle that you may never get out of. The only way to stick to your program long-term is to realize the benefits that lie ahead. If you can picture yourself losing weight, getting stronger, hitting your drives further and playing your best golf - it will make it much easier to be consistent with your program. Here are a few tips to help you stick to your program:

Be realistic as to how many times per week you think you can exercise. It's so easy to say you'll do it everyday, but remember where your starting point is. If you haven't been exercising for 3 months or more, I would strongly recommend picking a goal of 2 times a week for starters. As you prove to yourself you can do this, then bump it up to 3 or more times a week.

Golf fitness tip: Assess and prioritize

Assess your strengths and weaknesses, and prioritize accordingly. It is much easier to break down your workout times to just the areas you need work. For example, if you need to lose some weight (fat), spend a greater percentage of time doing cardiovascular activity. If you want to improve strength and lean muscle, spend more time strength training.

Choose a time that is consistent each day you work out. I know for myself, if I do it first thing in the morning, I am much more consistent. If I get up late and try to do it later, it's much more difficult and easier to come up with excuses. Be aware of when you have the most energy. Are you a morning person or an evening person? This is very important when it comes to sticking to your fitness program long-term!

Find a motivational calendar that gives you a different tip or statement every day. I think these calendars work great! I have one next to my computer with success quotes I read everyday. It helps you plug along.

And lastly have a support network of family or friends. Even go as far as getting a workout partner. This is one of the best ways to keep each other motivated. When one of you doesn't feel like exercising usually the other one is there to keep you going.

I hope you have found this article helpful in sticking to your program. Remember that your goal is a healthy, strong body and great golf! If you can remember this, you will be very successful with your program and reap ALL the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Your golf game will thank you for it!