Let’s Be Gallant!

If you’re just starting down the fitness road, particularly if you’ve recently joined a gym, the firehose of information can be daunting. The fitness industry is full of “Do this! Not that!” instructions, but the reality is rarely so cut and dried. For one thing, those instructions almost always have a hidden assumption about your goals (or the only goals the instructor thinks are worthwhile).

The Goofuses of the world are quick to tell you that you should choose a particular program, have a concrete and performance-based goal, and stick with it no matter what. But your needs may just be to cut back on your sugar intake and develop a consistent habit of getting a little exercise every day. That’s ok! Be clear in your mind about where you want to go, and choose the steps that will help you get there.

Need help getting started? Try BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits system — it will guide you in choosing simple goals, finding a good place to put them in your schedule, and figuring out what works and what doesn’t, so you can choose the best goals.