Successful New Year's Resolutions

It’s that time of year again – time to look at 2007 and think about what went well, what can be improved upon and learn from those mistakes. Yes, it’s time for New Year’s Resolutions.

The number one New Year’s resolution is to lose weight; second is exercising more.  Unfortunately, many resolutions rarely make it passed February.   Here are some things to help you achieve your health goals for 2008.

Allow Time and Grace – Realize that it takes time to create a new habit and there will be times you fail.  At that point, give yourself some grace – you are only human – and get focused back on the task.

Be Consistent – It took you a while to get at your current fitness level, and it will take time to get you where you want to be. Realize that you need to be consistent over a period of time.  Often you lose inches, improve your health, and tone your body before the scale will move much.  Have your body fat percentage tested by a fitness professional. Often we lose fat, and gain muscle; the scale can’t give that information.

Take Baby Steps – If you want to stop smoking, lose weight, exercise more, and drink more water, don’t try to do it all at once or you’ll become overwhelmed.  For example, the first week take bottled water to work.  Week 2, go to the gym, and so forth.

Stay Focused – If you have failed to keep an exercise program in the past, it doesn’t mean you will do the same again.  Figure out what area is your greatest source of sabotage.  Identify the triggers that will throw you off track and avoid them. For example, if you eat while watching TV, try and read a book or play  with the kids instead.

Buddy System – Find an exercise buddy.  This is really important if you don’t have support from family members.  Join a gym and introduce yourself to people.  Knowing you have a friend expecting you to show up will increase your chances of exercising.

It’s Affordable – You don’t have to use fancy equipment to begin exercising.  Walking is one of the best ways to exercise.  You can also purchase a stability ball and some tubing and have a great workout.  Personal Trainers are not just for the elite anymore. I develop workout plans to meet all budgets.

You ARE your Best Investment! – Purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables can be more expensive than processed food (especially in Alaska).  Realize this is an investment in your body.  It’s cheaper to eat lots of veggies over a lifetime than have the bills associated with illnesses such as colon cancer. 

Be Accountable to Someone – Tell others about your resolutions. Let them know you are serious about it and you want them to check up on you and see how things are going. If you blow it, so what. Think what would have happened if the Wright Brothers stopped trying!

Get Help – A Personal Trainer can help you set realistic, achievable goals and keep you focused.  Use a certified trainer, and she can develop a program that minimizes chances of reaching plateaus.

Remember this is a process.  Many of my personal training clients discover things about their own passion, spirit, body and outlook on life by pushing themselves in areas they didn’t know were possible.  Start this year off with your health as your focus and other aspects of your life will improve too! Need a jump start? Enroll in one of my fitness seminars.