It’s 2008 and you have committed yourself to getting healthier. Great! You just joined a health club, even better! But what do you do next?

Fortunately the most difficult part is already behind you, but now it is time for you to begin that dreaded, unknown or often confusing exercise program. Walking into a health club can be overwhelming. You may just stand there initially and stare at the plethora of machines and foreign looking contraptions wondering how you are supposed to somehow use them for your benefit without injuring you or someone within three feet of your reach.

Like everything you first attempt, once you take a moment to familiarize and educate yourself, it starts to make sense. Most health clubs offer an introductory orientation session which is usually with a certified personal trainer. This is beneficial for the first time member or even a seasoned athlete. Every health club is different and getting familiar where things are located is important. It will help you plan your workout more efficiently and give you direction. Having a professional demonstrate proper use of a machine to avoid injury and maximize the benefit of an exercise is always recommended.

A few key factors in maximizing your exercise program:

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Are your anticipated results feasible? Is your goal of losing weight practical in the amount of time you have given yourself? Is your goal safe and healthy?

2. Everything in Moderation

Don’t do too much too soon. Ease into your exercise program and start with 2-3 days a week of light-medium intensity. Keep it simple and give your body time to adapt. Start with only a handful of exercises and do one set of 10-12 reps for the first week or two. Even if you have lifted weights before you need to give yourself some time to adjust.

3. Understand Your Limitations

If you have an injury or physical condition that may be exacerbated, do not push it. Listen to your body and if it hurts, stop what you are doing. Don’t do more than what your body can handle. If you need help, ask someone for a spot or get a trainer to assist you in determining your capabilities.

4. Warm Up

Warming up is one of the most important parts of an exercise routine. By easing into exercise with light movement, you can gradually elevate your heart rate, increase oxygen to the body and increase blood flow to the muscles. This prevents injuries by increasing the elasticity of the muscles and makes the transition to exercise more comfortable. A brief 5 to 10 minutes on the treadmill or bike could make a big difference in the benefits of your workout.

5. Use Proper Technique

This will maximize the effectiveness of each exercise. If you use improper technique you cheat yourself from any benefit and risk injury. Take time to learn the correct motion and pay attention to your movement. Performing an exercise with control works your muscles more than jerking or throwing the weights around. Remember, the first rep is as important as the last.

6. Stretch

There are different ways to stretch the body. The most common is static stretching, which involves holding stretches for a period of time. This aids in increasing flexibility and range of motion. Do not ever bounce when stretching. Take several minutes to stretch before and after exercising and your body will thank you for it. Stretching should never cause pain. No two bodies are alike, so do not compare your flexibility to someone else’s.

7. Make Time

Habits are hard to break. So, make your exercise program a habit and part of your daily activities. If you allocate time to exercise during your day it will be easier to stick with it. Making time only 1-2 days a week is better than not making time at all. Think of it as “you” time and it is your chance to do something positive for yourself.

8. Have Fun

Do things you enjoy. If you prefer doing cardio on an elliptical and don’t like walking on a treadmill, it’s OK. Bring your iPod or MP3 player and play your favorite tunes to keep you motivated. Understand coming to exercise should be fun. Never dread or resent it. Many health clubs now have personal TVs, a Cardio TV Wall or a movie theater to help make it exciting. You may have so much fun you will forget you’re exercising.

9. Keep It Interesting

Change your routine if you begin to get bored or feel you are continuously doing the same thing over and over. There are plenty of exercises to do, so you can change your program in more ways than you can imagine. If you need some fresh ideas or want some changes, bring a friend to join you or hire a personal trainer to design a new program for you. Perhaps you may decide to take a group fitness class and do something you never thought about trying. Make it a point to try something new once every month or two. You may surprise yourself and find something you really love.

10. Rest, Eat Healthy and Drink Plenty of Fluids

Exercising requires exertion and can be demanding on your body. Take time to give appreciation to your body for a job well done. Drink plenty of fluids, and replenish yourself with a nutritious meal and a good night’s rest. This means sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, don’t be scared of carbohydrates and keep a bottle of water with you during the day. Treat your body with respect and you will live a much healthier and happier life.

You will be surprised at what your body is capable of if you give yourself a chance. Look at exercising as an investment in yourself. Maintaining an exercise program may be challenging, but you’re worth it! You only have one body, make it last a lifetime!