New Year's Resolutions

I am not a big believer of New Year’s resolutions.  In fact, I don’t think I have ever taken part in this ritual.  Resolutions are prompted by the fact that it is a new year and a new start. The top resolution each year is to lose weight.  You can actually start this any time.  It just feels right to start this on January 1^st.  There are a whole bunch of people who want to do this so you have a lot of company.  If this works for you – go for it.

We trainers and instructors often joke about the throngs of people in January that will be storming the gym with expectations.  Then we watch the gang drop off at the end of February.  Don’t be one of these people.  If I have one piece of advice in all of this,  it is consistency – in your diet, in your workouts and in your life.  If you want to shed some pounds, you need to be diligent about scheduling your training sessions (with your trainer or with yourself) on your calendar.  If you see it there, you will schedule the rest of your life around it instead of the other way around.  It should be a priority in your life, not an afterthought. 

Start small – don’t set huge goals.  If your wish is to get fit, then start walking more or riding a bike to work, if possible.  Get a Fitbit – lots of people have great success with them and they make you accountable.  As you start exercising more and it becomes a habit, you will find yourself going to the gym almost every day.  Skipping a day will then trigger that “nagging voice in your head” that you missed something.  This little alarm clock reminder is a good thing!  It shows you are really changing your lifestyle and that you are living on the edge – checking that your 2 pound gain doesn’t turn into 10.  

Do the same with your eating habits.  Everything in moderation and don’t go “cold turkey” on the desserts.  Replace them with a smoothie, perhaps. If you start to deny yourself,  you will start to cheat and binge and the cycle will just repeat itself.

Make sure to reward yourself so that your soul feels satisfies – perhaps a shopping trip to buy new workout clothes, a mani/pedi, binge-watch your favorite show or just sleep in.  You deserve it!   As long as your reward is not to overindulge on junk food, anything will do.

Realize that you will go off track sometime and that’s okay and perfectly normal.   Just get right back on the wagon.  Drag yourself to the gym, even when you are really not into it.  I have been here so I can preach.  When you start working out, you will feel pumped, strong and energetic – all of your problems will pale in comparison and you can take on the world.  You are empowered.  Granted there will be days when you are too stressed or too tired to stay on schedule.  Give yourself the night off and recommit the next day.  Just don’t turn 1 day into 2 into 5.  THAT’S a habit you want to break.

Perfection is unattainable. You’ll have to make changes as you go along. Everyone has dealt with ups and downs. Don’t focus on the grand, final goal. Instead pay attention to what you’ve set to accomplish each month leading up to your ultimate target.

Last golden rule:  do it for yourself

This one may be obvious but it has to be said. If you have ever seen anyone who has achieved success in this arena, they have done it because they were ready.  No one cares more about your mental and physical health than you. Your body certainly doesn’t care about anybody else. Feel responsible towards yourself and ask yourself whether what you’re trying to achieve is important to you and you only. It’s okay to be selfish like that – you’re worth it.  

Happy New Year!