More of this Feature • Phase I • Phase II

Join the Discussion "This 12 week program will help you map out a basic exercise program, along with tips on nutritional goals." Exercise Guide

Related Resources • Your 12 Week Plan • Exercise 101 • Weight Training 101 • How to Exercise

From Other Guides • Stay Motivated  • Are You Resolved? • Keep a Food Diary • Walking Program

Re-Commit to Your Exercise Program

Now is the time to re-commit to your program.  Remember that some days will be harder than others and it is on those hard days that you have to pull out your journal and read through what you've done for the past few weeks.  

• Go over your original goals and decide whether they still apply.  Are they realistic?  
• Take your measurements again and write them down.  Have you made any progress?  If not, don't panic!  It's normal for your body to go through an adaptation period before it begins to respond to your new exercise and eating program.
• Reward yourself for making it through the first 4 weeks of the program (massages are nice)
• Find support where you can--with a workout buddy, a family member or a personal trainer  

The Program

In Phase II the focus is on increasing the intensity and frequency of your workouts.  I've provided two new cardio workouts (interval training and an endurance workout) as well as a new full body workout, and an upper body workout and a lower body workout you'll alternate.  You'll love the core strengthening exercises done on a stability ball and daily nutritional goals are included to help you stay focused on eating healthy and making good choices throughout the day.  

In four weeks, you'll be ready for Phase III of your program, which will challenge you even more and help you avoid the dreaded plateau which usually rears its ugly head about this time.  So let's get started!

Begin Phase II

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