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The 5 Stages To Exercise Adherence

In case you haven't noticed, getting involved in a health and fitness program isn't all that easy to do. Health and fitness remains to be (even when all other topics come in go) in the top ten researched topics on the internet by the U.S population. There are hundreds of magazines, books, and programs dedicated on the subject. Yet, as much as it is on your consciousness, only a very small percentage of you actually incorporate exercise in your weekly lifestyle.

It is theorized that most of you had or still are going though certain stages before you maintain a lifestyle of health and fitness. The question is: Which state are you in?-

Stage 1: Precontemplation

• During this stage, you are not even thinking about doing any form of exercise. You may be aware of it's existence, but you may have misconceived notions about it. The only way to move out of this stage is to accept that you have to make a change. Once you have accepted it, you have to begin to accept that you don't have the answers and must allow yourself to be educated. Unfortunately, precontemplators may never consider changing because of fear.

• This stage is the where the majority of you are now. You are thinking about doing something, but you just can't make the commitment. Research also shows that once you enter this stage, you may stay in this stage for as long as 2 years. Contemplators are always thinking about the barriers to why it's not a good time to start, versus overcoming the barriers that will always exist. Once you get past the barriers, you start to make some form of commitment.

• By this stage you have made some form of commitment and maybe even a plan of action. You are exercising more. Maybe you are walking, are using a newly bought Bowflex, or doing some other form of exercise. However, no visible benefits may be noticed as not enough is being done. If you realize that more is needed, you will move on the next stage. On the other hand, if you don't you will remain in this stage or fall back into the previous two stages.

• In the action stage, you are really making some headway. You are committing to 3 or more times per week. However, this stage is the most vulnerable as the commitment and plan may be inaccurate. For example, you can join a health club and plan to go three times a week (the commitment), but if you don't know what to do, feel that you are not getting the support you need, have to high expectations (as you are not losing weight like the claims on the magazine covers), or a variety of other factors, your commitment may begin to wane. Thus, you may quit all together. Research shows that is will take at least 6 months of being in this stage to make a firm commitment to exercise. Unfortunately, 50% who finally reach this stage quit.

• Okay, if you're the 50% who gets past the Action stage you have been exercising for more than 6 months now. You are committing your time and energy to exercise on a weekly basis. Most likely you will stay in this stage if you don't experience dramatic pattern interrupt such as a severe injury. The good news is, if you stay in this stage for 5 years you will most likely never lose exercise as a habit.