Checklist For Starting Your Fitness Program
Use this checklist as a guide to help you get ready to start a fitness program.
Check Off When Complete	Items to Complete		Notes on Completion Plans
	Get a physical	See your physician to get blood work done and a general checkup to make sure you are ready to exercise.
	Establish a plan for aerobic exercise	Improving your cardiovascular system is like the foundation of your home. It should be the first step in your fitness program. Decide whether you will be walking, using cardio equipment at a gym, bicycling, or using aerobics videos, and put the days and times in your weekly agenda. Remember that it’s okay to start with 10 minutes twice a day if you’re just starting out.
	Establish a plan for stretching	Maintaining and improving your flexibility and range of motion will help you prevent injuries and keep your joints healthy. Decide whether you prefer to take a class that includes how to stretch or get a video that demonstrates yoga or other stretching techniques. Then, plan to do at least some stretching exercises every day.
	Buy new shoes and any other equipment needed	Exercise shoes should be replaced at least every six months. Good shoes are essential to keeping you comfortable, motivated and injury-free. Make a list of anything else you need to purchase and make appointments to visit several gyms in your area if joining a gym is a part of your plan.
	Start your aerobic exercise and stretching plans	It takes time to establish a new habit, so get started and do not be hard on yourself if you fail to meet your goals every day. Just keep on trying. A little activity is always better than none at all.
	Establish a plan for strength training	Strength training is essential for maintaining strong bones and building lean muscle tissue. Strength training does not have to involve lifting weights. Exercises like push-ups and sit-ups count too. Choices include joining a gym, buying home weight or resistance equipment, or using a video that teaches strength training with or without weights.
	Buy any new equipment needed to begin strength training and schedule start date and time	Strength training should be done at least two times per week, but no more than every other day.
	Begin strength training