How Can I Get Started?

Check with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor before you start a new physical
activity program. Ask about your medications — prescription and over the counter — and
whether you should change the amount you take before you exercise. If you have heart
disease, kidney disease, eye problems, or foot problems, ask which types of physical activity
are safe for you.

 

Decide exactly what you’ll do and set some goals. Choose

• the type of physical activity you want to do
• the clothes and items you’ll need to get ready
• the days and times you’ll add activity
• the length of each session
• your warm up and cool down plan for each session
• alternatives, such as where you’ll walk if the weather is bad
• your measures of progress

Find an exercise buddy. Many people find that they are more likely to do something active
if a friend joins them. If you and a friend plan to walk together, for example, you may be more
likely to do it.

 

Keep track of your physical activity. Write down when you exercise and for how long in
your blood glucose record book. You’ll be able to track your progress and to see how physical
activity affects your blood glucose.

 

Decide how you’ll reward yourself. Do something nice for yourself when you reach your
activity goals. For example, treat yourself to a movie or buy a new plant for the garden.

 

What can I do to make sure I stay active? One of the keys to staying on track is finding
some activities you like to do. If you keep finding excuses not to exercise, think about why.
Are your goals realistic? Do you need a change in activity? Would another time be more
convenient? Keep trying until you find a routine that works for you. Once you make physical
activity a habit, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.