It's that time of year again. We vow to get our health back on track starting Jan. 1, but not without enjoying (and indulging) during December. Losing weight and getting healthy are two of the most popular New Year's resolutions, but despite good intentions, only a small percentage of us reach our goals.
Making a resolution is the first step, but experts say in order to succeed, you need a detailed blueprint, a dose of positive thinking, and a stick-to-it attitude. Making a lasting change means going through the long haul. Here's how to reach success this coming year:
Fire up your motivation with your wins: Before you scratch your 2014 resolutions out on paper or type them in your iPhone, take some time to think about what you did right in 2013. What progress have you made on your fitness goals? What can you continue? By referencing the positive, you will feel confident and can ride the tide of your wins into the next year--fueling your motivation.
Get specific with your resolutions: "Lose weight" is not a smart resolution. A smart resolution is more specific like, "Lose 20 pounds in the first six months of the year." The more specific you are with your goals, the sharper your focus will be to get-er-done!
Have a plan: Once you have your resolutions written down, (and only do three at a time so you don't overwhelm yourself) decide how they're going to happen. Say one of your resolutions is to, "Build strength and firm up your body." Okay, how are you going to make it happen and by when? Will you go to a group class? Do circuits on the machines? Use your body weight? How many times a week will you devote to building up muscle. Get your detailed plan in print so you can follow it.
Don't be all talk: Don't create a resolution just so you can ignore it. Put pen to paper, pedal to the metal, and rubber to the road. Chat up your resolutions all you want, Facebook and tweet about them too... but make your actions match your words. Just think, you might inspire people to come up with their own smart resolutions.
Make some better resolutions this year: Target the fitness and health goals that matter to you most and make them happen. If you have some success early in the year, let the momentum propel you to continue through your best year yet.
Fit Tips are provided by Life Fitness, the leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality exercise equipment for fitness facilities and homes worldwide. For more information on Fit Tips and other fitness advice and expertise visit www.lifefitness.com/blog.
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