healthunder.com

People in the second stage of change typically

•  Think about changing
•  Consider ways to make the change
•  Know a change would be good, but don’t feel ready or able to change right now
•  Do not plan to change within one month

You may identify closely with contemplation at this time. Some people linger in this stage for years, waiting for the right time to begin the process. You think, “after I get through this busy time at work,” or “I’ll just follow this diet to lose weight for (fill in the blank: wedding, class reunion, interview, and so on), and then learn how to eat more healthfully,” or “when the kids don’t require so much from me at home…” Guess what? There is no perfect time to begin the process! Certainly, it is wise to take care of overwhelming or chaotic situations first, but life is probably always going to be full. The bottom line is this—we all have 24 hours a day, and making health a priority is going to make the difference. At this point, try to connect with people who have already made a change similar to the one you are considering. Talk to them; learn more about their methods, setbacks, and successes. Become aware of alternatives in your own environment. Join a support group.
Seek an exercise environment that appeals to you. Visit fitness centers in your area to get a feel for the atmosphere and philosophy of each. Many fitness centers have temporary or trial memberships so that you can experience them yourself. If the thought of spandex and exposed flesh gives you nightmares, and you can’t find a “friendly” gym in your area, create your own home fitness center with simple hand weights, a jump rope, some stairs or any other innovative “equipment” you can find! Brush the cobwebs off your old clunker bike in the garage. Look for walking or biking paths in your city. An aversion to using fancy equipment is not an excuse to be a couch potato!

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