Here’s To You
Another year has come and gone, and as we count down to 2016 we wonder if this year will be any different from the last. Before we turn the page, there are a few questions we must ask. What have we learned? How have we changed? What can we improve? How can we prevent the things that went wrong from happening again? 
One thing that is always at the top of our list when we make our annual New Year’s Resolution is our health. Although we have good intentions, it always seems to get pushed aside by the end of the year. The quote “I no longer believe in New Year’s resolutions. I believe in daily resolutions” seems to fit perfectly here. If you’re really serious about making a change, why wait to make a New Year’s Resolution?
When we consider what we did in 2015 to stay healthy and fit we’re less than impressed with our commitment to follow through. Based on our performance we definitely won’t be nominated for any award and we sealed that deal when the holiday season rolled around. We needed neither that second serving nor the extra round of drinks. Yet we indulged. We planned on getting to the gym three to four days a week. We barely made it once. We planned on getting rid of the garbage in our cabinets and fridge. There’s more now than there was to begin with.
If you’re shaking your head with disappointment, you’re not alone. You’re among the millions of people who are less than satisfied with their excess body weight and sluggish physical condition at the turn of the calendar year. In fact, about a third of New Year’s resolvers make weight loss their primary goal. Are you really surprised?
With our gym bags packed, our sweat towel in hand, and our sneakers laced up tightly, we solemnly swear that 2016 will be different. This year, were going to make good on our resolutions. Just you wait and see.
Here are a few simple tips to help you get started on your journey to success:
- Be Realistic. The surest way to fall short of your goal is to have unrealistic expectations. This can make your goal hard to reach and unattainable. For instance, resolving to never eat ice cream again is just not realistic. Instead, strive for a goal that you can stick with, such as having ice cream once a week instead of every night.
- Make a commitment. Though you may have good intentions, sticking with a weight loss program is a lot of hard work. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You have to approach it as you would a job. It is your responsibility to show up, do the work, and give it your all.
- Don’t beat yourself up! Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Repeat after me: One minor slip-up does not mean your attempt to lose weight was a failure! Don’t judge your success on the basis of “one bad day” or “one bad meal.” Stay focused on the bigger picture.
- Keep a food journal. You’ve probably heard this a thousand times, but keeping a food journal is a vital part of staying motivated. If you don’t eat according to your goals, you can’t expect to reach them! Instead of focusing on the end result, focus on losing a few pounds at a time.
- Be specific about your goals. Saying that you want to lose weight is way too vague. You need to set specific goals, such as “I want to lose ten pounds in six weeks” or “I want to run a mile in a month.”
- Have a plan. Say things like, “I’m going to take Spin Class three times a week” or “I am going to eat smaller portions at each meal.” When you establish a plan to reach your goal you will be more likely to hold yourself accountable.
- Put a picture on the fridge! Yes, the infamous picture. Cut out a photo of how you would like to look or find an old photo of when you were at your best. Hang it on the fridge or somewhere where you will see it for motivation.
- Join a gym. You can take advantage of the group fitness classes they have and even hire a personal trainer to help steer you in the right direction. Check out the special rates and numerous classes at Champions Fitness Center in Cicero! It’s a fitness facility that has something for everybody.
- Find a gym buddy. Play dates are always fun! Besides, studies show that people are much more successful at achieving and maintaining their goals when they work with others who share similar commonalities.
- Stay on course! Experts say it takes about twenty one days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become a permanent part of your personality. So give it time! Never use a slip up as an excuse to throw in the towel.
- Reward Yourself. Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help keep you motivated. Every time you reach a small goal celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you really enjoy besides food. Go to a movie with a friend, buy yourself some new fitness gear, get a pedicure, or treat yourself to a massage.
In Conclusion:
Chances are at some time in your life you’ve made a New Year’s resolution and then broken it. This year, stop the cycle of resolving to make a change and not following through! You will feel much better about yourself and your future aspirations if your resolution sticks.
So, here’s to you! Here’s to getting another chance to get it right, to making a resolution and following through with it, and to making the commitment to change your health and your life. Good luck to you and Happy New Year!
(Photo: Mother and Daughter – Lee McIndoe Forster and Brittany Forster. Both Champions.)
Did you or someone you know become noticeably healthier, stronger, leaner, and more physically fit from a new commitment to exercise? Go to Champions Fitness-Center on Facebook, request us as a friend and share your personal success story! Inspire others to get in shape! We want to hear all about it.
I am currently certified by the National Sports Conditioning Association, Apex Fitness Group, and the International Sports Science Association. If you have a question and/or topic you would like me to discuss please e-mail me at isellgraphs@aol.com. If you would like to set up a free consultation with one of our certified fitness professionals please call Champions Fitness at 452-5522.
