1. If you have a previous history of exercising. It’s not because you held on to your athletic ability from twenty years ago, but because you already know there is value in exercising. You know it’s good for you, that it can be fun, and that the parts that are hard are temporary. You are less likely to be intimidated by gym culture: you know the verbiage, you probably already know how to use some of equipment, you won’t be alarmed if your Bootcamp instructor gets in your face and yells, “Give me ten more!” If it’s been awhile since you worked out, remember that you’re not starting over, you’re starting from experience. Knowing ahead of time that you can be successful at something because you’ve done it before is a major asset to you.
2. If you have a support system. It can be hard to make lifestyle changes if your family is not on board. Even if your partner is not willing to make diet and fitness goals of their own, if you can convince them of how important it is to you and that you welcome their support, it can go a long way. Seek out fit friends to meet you at the gym and each lunch with co-workers who are also packing their lunch and trying to get in their steps at work. Taking group exercise classes or working with a personal trainer can provide the accountability and support you need to be successful!
3. If you have a strong locus of control. Overall, do you accept that you are responsible for your life? For example, a person with a poor locus of control might say something like: I wouldn’t drink so much if my boss didn’t drive me nuts. For the most part, I am responsible for how I move my body and what I eat. There are times and seasons when it feels like we are not in control of our time (“I worked a 12 hour shift”) or our bodies (injury, pregnancy, sickness, surgery). But most of the time, for the most part, we are each responsible for what we eat and how we move. Accepting that responsibility will help you make changes rather than excuses to help you reach your goals.
Fresh Start Fitness 
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