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n Start out by setting an attainable goal

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February 08, 2012 2:00 AM

Being successful is all about goal setting.

We know from experience that we are more likely to succeed if we lay out a plan.

So it goes for exercising and weight loss.

Simply waking up each day with the idea that you are going to exercise isn't going to get you into shape or shed any pounds.

Be honest, without a true goal, it is more likely that at the end of the day you will find yourself right back on that couch having not exercised a minute.

That is why each and every one of the plethora of weight loss and exercise programs holds you accountable.

Right up front each program, whether it be Weight Watchers or a smart phone application, sets realistic, customized goals for the individual.

If someone ideally wants to lose 20 pounds, these programs will set that person on a path to losing the first five.

Using the Internet, the smart phone or even attending in-person meetings, the structure for eating less and exercising more will be targeted toward an individual's goals.

In essence, getting healthier isn't any different than aspiring to getting into a college of your choice or finding that dream job.

Each and every time we set a goal, something that is specific, measurable and achievable, often in a certain time-frame.

Success is attainable.

Like anything, it simply takes work and staying with the plan.

What makes it easier these days is that there are so many ways you can achieve your goals.

Look around, do a little research, figure out what set of goals would work best with your schedule and be the most realistic for your lifestyle.

If you know you won't run two miles every day, don't sign on for an exercise program that can only be achieved by doing so.

Thanks to modern technology — which can count each and every calorie eaten, as well as expended — there is almost no guesswork.

Take a walk, strap on a pedometer. Run the treadmill, chances are it will calculate everything from calories expended to how fast you went up and down the imaginary hills.

Honestly, the goal-setting couldn't be any easier.

The key is to rely on all of the tools that are made available to us today.

Want to know how many calories in that fast food meal you ate or are thinking of eating? Look it up on the Internet or the smart phone.

Or maybe you'd like to help your child become more active. Employ that video game system that has kept them on the couch. There are a myriad of games which offer off-the-couch activities like dancing, running, anything they might be interested in.

Ask them if they would like to try a recreational program or team. Most communities offer not only school-based sports but activities through local recreational departments and YMCAs.

Take a walk or a hike with your child this weekend or during the upcoming school vacation. Bring them skiing or skating.

The goal is to put exercise on everyone's agenda.

After all, there is no disputing that each person would benefit from at least 30 minutes of activity or exercise at least five days a week.

That doesn't seem like much. In real-life terms, it's the time it takes to watch that television show, surf the Internet or check up on your Facebook.

But it is widely agreed upon that those who manage to fit that 30 minutes of exercise in not only are healthier but are likely to be more fit and live longer.

Certainly with outcomes such as that, it seems worthwhile to set our goals today.

Use that smart phone, computer or even a paper calendar, to begin setting aside specific times and activities for getting some exercise.

If you set those goals today, and stick to them, it is likely to make all the difference tomorrow.

If you have an idea for a profile of a person or program for "Get Off the Couch," contact Rachel Collins at Rcollinsme@gmail.com.

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Home » Exercise Programs » Get Off the Couch: Put exercise on your agenda