Challenge Yourself

While you may be striving toward an improved fitness level, you can also acknowledge and appreciate where you are and how far you have come.

Onward and upward.

Here are today’s three actionable tips:

1. Prep a gear bag.
   — Consider packing an extra bag with your exercise clothes and shoes, water bottle, towel, and any equipment you might need for your workout. You might choose to pack the night before to save yourself time in the morning (and avoid a last-minute scramble for missing items), or you could keep a bag in your car for upcoming exercise outings. If you have what you need with you, you’ll be more likely to complete your workout as intended.
2. Visit the gym.
   — The gym environment is filled with tools that can help you reach your fitness goals. The range of cardio machines may include elliptical, step, and rowing machines, stationary and/or spin bikes, and treadmills. There may be free weights and resistance bands as well as cable machines, squat racks, and other exercise-specific machines. Also, you may have access to a track, a pool, or other resources. It’s worth exploring (if you haven’t already), as you might find a new way to get in a great workout that can serve as part of your regular routine.
3. Challenge yourself.
   — Set goals that inspire you, challenge you, and support your growth. When you challenge yourself with a well-rounded exercise program, your body will adapt. Setting a goal and working toward achieving that goal can help you to stay engaged with the activity, and you will become more confident in your abilities as you consistently set and achieve new goals.