A generally accepted model for any type of behavior change is the Transtheoretical Model. In exercise terms, it looks a little like this:

1. Precontemplation (not ready): You have no intention of even going to the gym, it’s not even in the back of your mind that you should go.

2. Contemplation (getting ready): You know that you need to make some changes to your health, and you think to yourself “I’ll get around to it.” At this point you can find just as many reasons or excuses why you can’t workout than why you should work out. You are probably going to do something in the next 6 months.

3. Preparation (ready): At this point, you are telling your friends and family that you are going to start working out and eating right, you are mentally preparing yourself and thinking about how you’re going to do it, but still not quite there. You’ll likely start in the next month.

4. Action: You’re actually doing it! Whether you jumped straight in or you had to wade your feet in the shallow end first, you are actually making changes in your behavior (this is where Journey Fitness comes in)! We can’t make you decide to exercise, but when you are ready, we can help guide you to make the healthy changes needed. If you are working with a trainer, that’s only a few hours out of the week, you are flying solo the rest of those hours and our job is not only to train you, but educate you for while you’re not with us.

5. Maintenance: You have made changes but still have a chance to relapse. You need to seek accountability and support. A personal trainer or boot camp would be a great way to have accountability, they also can keep your workouts fun by changing up the exercises. Family and friends are great support too.

6. Termination or relapse: Hopefully, you reach termination where your old ways have no chance of surfacing again. If not you may have a chance to relapse after the action or maintenance phase. Relapse may be due to boredom of your workout or eating the same healthy foods all the time. Journey Fitness can show you healthy recipes and nutrition tips as well as fun workouts that always change to fight boredom.