Developing and Maintaining a Regular Exercise Routine TM HSCI 586 Dr. Alemi

Problem Statement Need to develop a regular exercise routine.

Description of the Problem Apparent lack of time for exercise due to many demands of work, school, and home; Frequent interruptions from family members whenever attempting to exercise; Unappealing exercise environment and equipment.

Lack of Time – A Cycle Emerges Spend 30 minutes watching TV and drinking coffee to wake up Leave for Work LateLater Arrival at WorkLonger Commute Later Departure from Work Later Arrival Home Stress about late arrival at home Staying up late trying to get everything done Later Bedtime Wake up late Wake up late AGAIN!

Frequent Interruptions from Family Family members frequently interrupted exercise; My exercise time becomes time to troubleshoot other crises;

Unappealing Environment and Exercise Equipment Environment: Cold, unfinished basement Lots of clutter Equipment: Majority belongs to husband and doesn’t appeal to me; Nothing is particularly attractive to me.

Tackling the Problem …. Identifying Process Solutions Problem: Frequent interruptions by family members during exercise time: Solutions Identified and Implemented: Engaged husband and daughters as team members/process owners; Explained value of exercise to Mom’s health and to them (Mom would be more energetic, happier, healthier); Selected exercise time when kids were less likely to interrupt Mom. Posted exercise chart in spare room with goals/progress.

Tackling the Problem …. Identifying Process Solutions Problem: Unappealing exercise environment and equipment: Solutions Identified and Implemented: Purchased Pilates machine because I liked it and thought it would be fun; Installed new equipment in spare room (more warm and attractive than basement)

Tackling the Problem …. Identifying Process Solutions Problem: Perceived Lack of Time for Exercise Solutions Identifies and Implemented: New morning exercise routine established; Wake up on time each day; Replace morning TV with exercise

Measuring Progress Tracked pre-implementation exercise data for 2 weeks; Tracked post-implementation exercise data for 4 weeks; Posted goals and results on chart in spare room;

Data

Did my personal improvement process work? YES! I now: Exercise regularly; Feel less rushed; Feel less stressed

Conclusions Process Improvement is an effective approach to personal improvement; Through a disciplined examination, new insights can be gained into the barriers that prevent success and new opportunities for system changes that may lead to success.