Three Tips to Help Get Your 2012 Health & Fitness Resolutions Off on the Right Track
January 6, 2012
Do you count yourself among those who are going to return to the gym this year & have you made a pledge to workout regulary & stay in shape? Judging by the parking lot at my gym you’re not alone. While I certainly don’t mean to be tryt, but my first day back at work in 2012 – I was in a meeting where someone jokingly wished “may your problems in life last as long as your resolutions” which I took to mean, wait until February and they’ll be plenty of parking spaces at the gym. I’m certainly not judging anyone here, but I think we’ve all either been witnessed this process or been a part of this cycle in years past.
With that said, this is your year! I can tell we’re going to run into each other at the gym all the time this year. Because this year you’re going to change your behaviors and make exercise a regular part of your life. Here’s 3 Quick Common Sense Reminders to help get you on your way to a healthier 2012.
- Find an Activity You Enjoy - Why make exercise a chore? We all have enough stress to deal with in our everyday lives – so why not find an activity that’s fun. While I mentioned the gym several times – many people understandalby do not feel comfortable at the gym. No problem – why not take the dog for longer walks, find a pool and go for a swim or visit www.hikingupward.com & explore a natural beauty that surrounds us. In short, getting in shape is not an event it’s a process & you should seek out activities that you enjoy.
- Pace Yourself - Whether you’re just trying to drop the few pounds you’ve put on since Thanksgiving or you haven’t seen the inside of a gym since Zubaz were all the rage, you need to ease back into the exercise routine. Just because you overdid it with the cookies, cake, turkey, etc for the past month doesn’t mean you should overdo it on the elipical, the treadmill or with the weights in January. You run the risk of injury which will set you back even further. You didn’t put that 10lbs on in a day, so don’t expect that it will mealt off if you do 5 hours on the elliptical 3 days a week for 4 weeks.
- Ask for Help - Whatever activity you have decided to pursure, chances are you did not invent it yourself. Thus, there are many others out there that have been doing it a lot longer than you and they can help get your started and keep you motivated. Many gyms offer a free personal training session when you sign up for a new membership – take advantage of this perk. Learn to use the equipment so that you don’t injure yourself. Gym not your thing? Again, no problem – I’m willing to bet whatever activity you choose there is a community of people that are often excited and willing to help along newbies & show them the ropes. You just have to ask around a bit or do a bit of research. I’ll get you started, try visiting http://www.meetup.com/ and serching for groups in the activity of your choice.
What health/fitness goals have you set for 2012? What successes have you acheived in the past? What barriers have run into? Chances are you’re not alone & perhaps some of your experiences could help other achieve their goals so I encourage everyone to share. Happy New Year!
