Next Avenue Logo
Advertisement

Draw Up Your Physical Activity Plan and Follow It

Make sure it's an exercise plan you can keep up with

By NIH/National Institute on Aging

Some people can plunge into a new project without planning ahead. Others find that writing a plan is helpful and keeps them on track.

Here are a few reasons an exercise and physical activity plan might be a good idea.

A Plan Can Help You:

  • Stay motivated to include physical activity as part of your daily life. Get an exercise buddy or buddies to help keep you motivated and maintain your exercise routine.
  • Be organized so you can fit exercise and physical activity into your current lifestyle.
  • Get ready to be more active. Do you need to get new exercise shoes or clothes? Do you need equipment, like weights or a tennis racket? Will you have expenses (like health club fees) that you need to fit into your budget?

What to Include in Your Physical Activity Plan:

  • Your reasons for being physically active.
  • Your short- and long-term goals.
  • The activities you plan to do.
  • When, where, and with whom you will be active.
  • Things you need to do to get started and keep going.
Advertisement

Make It a Plan That Works:

  • Be realistic based on how physically active you are now.
  • Be specific in the details.
  • Include a weekly worksheet that details your activities.
  • Review and update your plan regularly. Adjust your plan as needed.

This material is provided by Go4Life, the exercise and physical activity campaign for adults over 50 from the National Institute on Aging at NIH.

NIH/National Institute on Aging
By NIH/National Institute on Aging
Advertisement
Next Avenue LogoMeeting the needs and unleashing the potential of older Americans through media
©2024 Next AvenuePrivacy PolicyTerms of Use
A nonprofit journalism website produced by:
TPT Logo