Putting the "I" in F.I.T.

Three years ago I started my business... LifestyleF.I.T., some of you may not know that F.I.T. stands for "Fitness Integration Training". To me, the biggest part of this phrase is the "I" for integration. One of the most difficult parts of maintaining consistent physical activity is finding a way to make it "work" for you. Not everyone is attracted to the same type of exercise, and not everyone is capable of doing the same workouts. So, I have made it my personal goal to help my clients (and anyone else who asks) learn how to incorporate health and fitness into their life in a way that successfully works for them. It is an on-going process, and as we all know when it comes to exercise, there is no magic bullet. However, I feel like I am blessed with having a great intuition, and I am finally learning to trust myself and listen to it! I love being able to talk with my clients, listen (LISTEN) to what they are telling me, and then assess their individual situation. I feel that part of what has helped me in my success as a trainer is being flexible with schedules and types of workouts, focusing on the individual, and encouraging them to pursue fitness options that work for them - not everyone is going to go out for a run!
So, as I ramble on, all I am trying to say is - focus on the "I", on the "you" part of the equation. What do you love to do? What kind of exercise do you think is fun? What time of day are you most awake or have a break in your schedule where you can realistically fit in a workout? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Maybe you love music and it motivates you - find a dance based fitness class to take (Jazzercise, hip-hop cardio, a jazz or tap class). Or, pick an activity where you can crank up your ipod - cardio machine, out for a run/walk. Turn on the tunes and dance around your bedroom!

2. If you like being at home - find some great workout videos, buy some light weights, or a jump rope and go to town in your living room. Or, look on craigslist for an inexpensive treadmill or elliptical and bring it home (some of them even fold up for better storage). If you don't like going out to the gym - YOU WONT GO! Bring the gym to you.

3. Do you like your exercise to be relaxing - take a few yoga classes each week, make a mellow play list on your ipod and plan a few long walks each week. Or, do what I do - play mellow music on your ipod while you do your cardio, it motivates me and gives me mental down time.

4. Need extra motivation or social support - find a group fitness class to go to on a regular basis. You will make new friends and fitness buddies before you know it! Or, ask a friend to become your buddy and keep each other motivated.

Let me know what you find motivating, how are you integrating exercise into your schedule, how do you make exercise a personal experience? Just something to think about...