Developing Confidence through Commitment

Beginning a cardio program, or simply a new fitness routine for that matter, is not always a simple get-up-and-go task. For some of you the idea of a change may give you a complete thrill, for others, it makes you shudder. If the latter sounds more like you, remember the following on your way to reaching your ultimate fitness and performance goals.

Start small, aim far- It's an old adage, but it still rings true. Making progress isn't always about how far you move but that you actually move at all! If running a marathon is you ultimate goal but the thought of doing one scares the bejeezus out of you, break it down backwards. Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 8k, 5k, Fun run.... you get the point, and start at the smallest interval you can currently accomplish without killing yourself. If one lap around the track is your max, break that down, too. Track athletes break their training into 100's, 200's, 400's etc all the time. There's nothing wrong with doing the the same thing for yourself.

If distance isn't your obstacle but lack of skill is look for local groups or reviews that will show you options for building the skills you you want to work on. For example, if Slick Rock sounds like an awesome ride but going down a bunny hill with two pebbles on it sounds tough, get on sites like http://www.mtbr.com for some ideas of easy trails to get started with. Get over the first hill, and the rest will start to fly by. Local groups like Active.com, GoVavi.com and MeetUp.com are additional great resources for finding training partners and groups to work out with.

Decide on a goal and commit to it- Your ability to make a commitment is the single biggest factor on whether or not you'll accomplish your goals. When it comes to fitness, commit with what usually binds you the most- your finances and/or friends. The more someone invests in a goal, whether through time or money, the more likely they are to follow through. Pick a race, event, or upcoming league you'd like to be a part of and sign up! Once you do, backing out will be much harder, and you'll have the money you just put down motivating your butt off the couch and out the door. Likewise, having someone else along for the ride helps not only with the motivation department, but also for the accountability factor. No one likes a flake. If you don't show up at the gym as planned, there will be more than your mirror to explain to!

Little by little, these simple tips will help you to improve and develop confidence in your skills and ability to complete your goals. Every time you reach one, add a new one and watch your confidence grow even stronger! Taking small steps like these might sound like a "duh factor", but if you're still thinking about running a race and still haven't made a solid commitment to completing it, you're already a step behind.