After I reach my goal, what then?

After I have reached my goal, what then?



Whether it is 10,000 steps or some other activity, if you are reaching your daily activity goal pretty regularly, here is what you need to know:

· It takes about six months to "lock in" a new behavior. Aim to do what is necessary to change your exercise behavior permanently. Be prepared to dedicate yourself to your daily goal each day for a minimum of six months. If you do that, you are much more likely to maintain this goal permanently.

· If you skip a few days due to illness, work or other obligations, the sooner you get back into the exercise groove, the more likely you will be able to get back into your routine.

· If you continue to skip days, you will discover it is a downward spiral. The more days you skip, the more likely you will abandon your program altogether.

· If you can get back in the groove and exercise two days in a row, you will discover that the third day of exercise will be easier to achieve.

· If you are starting to get bored, try a new route, find something interesting to walk and see.

· As another hedge against boredom, consider finding a buddy to exercise with or locate a few buddies you can call upon to join you from time to time.