Let
’s talk about New Years resolutions before we make them…
Everybody knows that when New Years resolutions are made, they will
probably be broken, and in many cases, before January is up. This
article is going to suggest a few ways to keep them going past the
initial stages, and possibly permanent
ly.
Let’s talk about New Years resolutions before we make them…
Everybody knows that when New Years resolutions are made, they will probably be broken, and in many cases, before January is up. This article is going to suggest a few ways to keep them going past the initial stages, and possibly permanently.
First of all, set goals. Goals should be specific, realistic, and measurable. Common objectives are “to lose weight,” or “to get in shape,” or “to exercise more.” While all these statements are well intentioned, they are very likely to fail because they are too vague.
For example, rather than saying “I want to lose weight,” make the aim more specific. You might say, “I want to lose 20 pounds.” And you can get even more detailed than that. You can narrow that down to “I want to lose 20 pounds by my birthday.”
However, goals, in order to be effectively attained, must be realistic. If you vow to lose those 20 pounds, you must also realize that it will take time for this to happen. Narrow the larger long-term goal into smaller short-term goals.
“I want to lose 5 pounds this month,” for instance. By doing this, you will be more motivated, because you will see the results more quickly.
The same holds true for any other goals you set for yourself. Another example, rather than saying “I will exercise more,” make the commitment “to exercise three times per week.” This will make the results more measurable.
Another tip for keeping true to your resolutions: the more people you tell about them, the more likely you are to keep them. Nobody wants to admit defeat, so if others know about your goals, they will probably ask you about your progress and you will be held more accountable.
Make it so you can’t break it. Do something that you want to do, not something that you feel you have to do. For example, and keeping with our exercise resolution, vow to take a yoga class once or twice a week because it makes you feel good. Don’t take it because other people are telling you that you should.
Do something that is fun. Take a kickboxing class because it is high energy and raises your spirits. If you try to set a goal that you will not enjoy, it becomes a chore and it is very likely that you will not continue with it.
Do something that fits your life. If you have a family, and you work, chances are that committing to a program that takes up all your evenings will not be practical. Choose an activity that works well with the other aspects of your daily living.
Do not over-extend yourself. With our busy Silicon Valley lifestyles, many of us tend to take on too much. If you obligate yourself to too many things, chances are you will run out of steam, and burn yourself out. Then, needless to say, you will not stay committed to your resolutions.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Family and friends create a great support system for keeping and meeting your New Years resolutions.
If you have any questions, contact your fitness professional or call me @ (408) 776-1617. For copies of this article, or previous articles, contact me at Gold’s Gym of Morgan Hill.
Karen Frost is the Wellness Director for Gold’s Gym of Morgan Hill. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Physical Education from New York University, and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.
