Well, we made it. 2005 is upon us. Now that we
’re in the New Year, many of us have probably made New Year’s
resolutions. Although not all resolutions revolve around health and
fitness, it’s a pretty safe bet that many of them do.
Well, we made it. 2005 is upon us. Now that we’re in the New Year, many of us have probably made New Year’s resolutions. Although not all resolutions revolve around health and fitness, it’s a pretty safe bet that many of them do.
For those people who have vowed to “lose weight” or “get in shape” or “get healthier,” here are a few tips to help you stick with your resolution.
Most important, define your goals. Be specific about what you want to accomplish.
For example, rather than saying “I want to lose weight,” say “I want to lose five (or 10 or 20) pounds.
Goals should be measurable. If you have no way of measuring your goal attainment, it will be much more difficult to stick with it.
If you can see visible results (i.e. muscle tone, more comfortably fitting clothes) you will remain encouraged and be more likely to stick with your program. Remember, the scale might not be the most accurate gauge since muscle weighs more than fat.
As you are replacing fat with muscle, the numbers on the scale may not change as you might expect them to.
Goals should also be realistic. Chances are if you say “I want to lose 50 pounds by February,” you will not achieve this goal and you will get discouraged. An average healthy weight loss is one to two pounds per week. Again, if goals are unrealistic or too aggressive, they will be much harder to reach.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Family and friends can be a tremendous support system for keeping and meeting New Years resolutions.
Another important step in achieving your New Year’s resolution goals is defining your motivation.
Ask yourself “why do I want to lose weight/get in shape?” Are you seeking results because it is something that you want to do or because someone else wants you to?
I have discovered over the years that if you set a goal for anyone other than yourself, you will probably not be successful. The best motivation is self-motivation.
Once you have determined your reasons for getting involved in a health/fitness program, you need to make a plan. What steps will you take to get to your ultimate goal?
Are you willing to make the commitment to modify your current lifestyle to accommodate the necessary changes?
Choose a program that is conducive to your lifestyle and you will be more likely to stick with it.
Do you have an “all or nothing” mentality? If you do not get to the gym seven days a week, will you not go at all? If you deviate off your “diet,” will you give up completely?
Remember, there is always a happy medium.
What kind of outside influences are you subject to?
You can also consider joining a health club, where professionals can assist you in reaching your goals.
For example, Mavericks Sports Club, Morgan Hill’s newest health club, is planning a New Year’s promotion inspired by NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” (except without participant elimination).
Imagine getting to where you want to be with the help of a fitness professional and surrounded by the camaraderie of others with similar goals.
New Year’s resolutions are only effective if we follow through on them.
If you have any questions, please contact me @ (408) 776-1617.
Karen Frost is the Personal Training Director for Mavericks Sports Club in Morgan Hill. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Physical Education/Fitness Management from New York University, and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.
