Look Before You Leap.

So, you've decided to begin a strength training program.

The gym down the street just accepted your membership application and the iron is just waiting to be picked up.  You've got the gym bag, clothes and shoes.  Your iPod is loaded and ready to play.  All you've gotta do is walk in and get down to business, right?

Sure.  But have you considered the following?

• What's your motivation for beginning?
• What are the emotional/mental obstacles that you typically contend with?  What do you do to overcome them? 
• If you're going to hire a fitness professional to guide you, what's your learning style?  What coaching approach works best for you?

These points may seem marginal -- nit-picky, even.  But avoiding questions like these - forgoing the  opportunity to consider their answers at the most basic level - will increase the difficulty of your journey.

Your approach to a healthy lifestyle doesn't necessarily involve getting to the gym first.  Honestly evaluate your current state.  Strive to understand your strengths and weaknesses.  Clearly define what motivates you.  Think about the means by which you'll overcome any obstacles you'll face.

Taking these factors into account will go a long way toward kick starting your journey. . . and keeping you on track to finish it.