Scott Power (second from right), a senior brand strategist at Kaiser Permanente, spent six months extensively training to compete in and finish the grueling Ironman Triathlon. He shares the following five tips to help anyone ready to take on a new exercise routine or breathe life into an old one.

Set goals

To begin or refresh an exercise program, start by setting achievable milestones that lead up to your final goal. "Know what you're trying to accomplish and build your program around that," Power says. This will help you measure your progress and keep you motivated along the way.

Stretch

Even if your exercise program is minimal, stretching every day will help you avoid injuries and put a healthy spring in your step. A brisk five-minute walk to warm up before stretching can help you limber up safely.

Build consistency

Power says to start small, build methodically, and make healthy activities a habit. "Do something for an hour every day and make it a routine," he says. The more committed you are to exercising, the easier it gets.

Rest and recover

One thing many people forget when they begin a fitness routine is to rest. Whether it's taking a day off or making sure you take breaks during your workout, "you have to give your body a chance to recover," Power advises.

Be positive

The right mindset is important for your fitness routine and your well-being. Power finds that a positive mantra of "thank you" elevates his sense of motivation and purpose. Taking a moment to feel grateful or thankful for all the goods things in your life can also help you deal with stress and pressure.

Learn more about how Scott Power became an Ironman.

filed in: Exercise & Fitness
subjects: exercise, fitness, healthy-habits