A Little Scheduling Goes A Long Way
It's not so much what you do or when you do it, as long as you do it.
By Steve Edwards

Sometimes we lose focus of the small stuff, which can have a roundabout effect of canceling out the big stuff. And when it comes to working out, forgetting about one little miniscule detail can be all it takes to allow your New Year's resolution get deep 6'd quick.

The detail in question is time. While we buy tapes or consult books or trainers so that we know ahead of time what we're going to do for exercise, we tend to overlook exactly when this is going to happen. Instead, we leave it up in the air thinking, "Just so I know what I'm going to do, I'll squeeze it in when I have time." In reality, we'd be much better off reversing this. First schedule the time slot you're going to exercise in, then figure out just what you'll do. If you've got the time allotted, you're bound to come up with something.

"I always say that the only way you're going to succeed on a program like Power 90^® is to plan it out ahead of time," says fitness guru Tony Horton. "In fact, planning a slot in your schedule is by far the most important step in any workout program."

According to Slim in 6^® creator Debbie Siebers, "In my experience if it's not in the schedule, it won't happen. I always tell my clients to schedule some time to workout, even if it's only 20 minutes. And let's face it; anybody can squeeze in 20 minutes."

"We plan a time to go to sleep every night," adds Horton. "We don't miss our meals. Working out is just the same thing. You write it down on your schedule and then you do it. The time is there. You may as well use it."

Both Siebers and Horton are firm believers in using a calendar to block out time. "My clients fill out their calendars for the week each Sunday," says Siebers. "When they take a few minutes to do this, they almost never miss a workout."

Horton likes 2-week chunks. "I have them put a big calendar on the wall and make an X each time they complete a workout. That way they have to look at any gaps. Sometimes, just knowing that they're going to have to look at that blank space will be enough to get them going."

Neither thinks the time of day matters too much. The point is not to miss the day, no matter what it takes. "Everyone is so different," says Debbie. "Some people have to do it first thing in the morning. I have another client who always hits the gym on his way home from work. He says that once he gets home, it's over for him and there's no chance he'll get back out."

Another factor is accountability. Sometimes we aren't strong enough alone and need some outside support. This is where a workout buddy comes in handy, or a venue like the Beachbody.com message boards. If others know what you're up to, you are going to have to answer to them should you slack off.

"Accountability is huge," exclaims Horton. "If you don't have a workout partner or someone at home to support you, go to the message boards or call up a friend. Keep shouting. Somebody will come. At the Beachbody.com boards you have so many choices of groups. If one isn't giving you enough support, post on another. Anyone can find a group that they'll fit in with."

"It's a matter of priorities," points out Siebers. "No matter who you are, the number one thing in your life is taking care of yourself because if you do this you'll be much better at taking care of everyone in your life. It can seem selfish, sometimes, especially at first. But everyone you know will benefit from you being in better shape."