Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Years and setting your resolution...

First off, Happy New Years to all.  With New Years comes resolutions, the most popular being fitness type goals.  So today I'll talk a little bit about how to attain those goals.  Most people lose sight of their fitness or weight loss goals within the first two months of the new year.  Mostly because they burn out quickly due to  lofty expectations.  "Rome wasn't built in a day".

The best way to help yourself achieve goals is to break them down into near term and long term.  In the military we say, "this is my 50 meter target" (your closest goal).  So have yourself some closer, more attainable "targets".  For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds....then start with a 10 pound goal.  I'll remind you that weight isn't the best goal either, using actual measurements can be better.  The point is, make your starter goals easily attainable.  This will give you confidence and begin a habit once you attain that goal so that hopefully you'll be motivated enough to continue.  Don't just say, "I'm going to fit in my size 7 jeans" when you're wearing a size 12.  Start with making it to a size 10 or 11, then go from there.

Also, when it comes to diet and exercise, don't make it hard on yourself.  With exercise, try to make it fun or enjoyable.  Exercise is not limited to walking on a treadmill.  You could have a set time of 30 minutes of running and playing with your dog or child in the backyard, that's exercise.  If you do want to do the treadmill, but don't enjoy it that much.....find something to make it better.  Use it during a TV show you want to watch. (provided you have a TV in sight)  Get an audio book to listen to while you walk/jog/run.  Make exercise fun.  Skipping can be an exercise if done enough, so skip with your kids.  Be creative.  Stimulate your mind and your body will follow.

When it comes to diets, don't try to start eating like a rabbit on January 1st.  Just like with setting goals, start easy.  Pick certain things and cut them out of your diet, maybe trade them for a healthier option.  Simply don't buy it and it won't be in your house to consume.  Remember to be thoughtful of what you put in your body.  The statement I use is "garbage in, garbage out".  Put garbage in your body, and it'll show in body composition or energy levels.

The bottom line is to go easy.  You don't have to go all out to start with.  Small steps are easiest.  If you set your goals too high to start with, you'll easily burn out or give up when you don't see results.  Remember, these kinds of things take time.  Just set your goals, pick a path to achieve them and make it a habit, check your results, then rinse and repeat until you feel like you're where you want to be.

Good luck and feel free to email me at  crfvols@gmail.com if you need any help or advice.  

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