The middle of February, the second month of the year, a month not known for to much, except for Valentine’s day and maybe that every once and a while it’s a leap year. In the fitness world, however, February means a lot, especially in regards to all those New Year resolutions we heard from all our new eager members. Funny how something that started off with such a bang and excitement, even quick success can start to become a bore, than a chore than ignored. Does that describe you, maybe you didn’t run out January 1^st and join a gym or decide to finally start using the one you had already bought, but you did make a point start living a healthier lifestyle or getting up and moving more, right?

            With healthier lifestyle being such a broad and everyone having their own definitions, it’s no wonder some many people become disappointed with their resolutions. The goal here is not to give up or decide to pick a new thing to fix in your life, we just need to inject some new vigor in your new lifestyle.

 

Step 1. Reevaluate your goals.

            Sure, it all seemed so easy, pick an abstract number for weight loss and do whatever it takes to get there, this is the year you would finally do it right? If weight loss is the original goal, than keep it, but think about it in realistic terms. The common excepted view of weight loss is 1.5-2 lbs a week. This is so misleading. While it is possible to maintain such a high rate of loss, the average guy or gal just can’t maintain that. Most people lose 3, 5, even up to 10 lbs relatively quickly in the beginning but begin to plateau after that, even gain weight! The key here is your body always wants balance and with a change of diet or exercise level, the first thing to start fluctuating is your water content, or water weight. Sooner rather than later though, your body will get it figured out and your weight loss will start reflecting true loss.

 

Step 2. Make a plan to reach your goals.

            “This year I’m going to hit the gym 6 days a week, I’m going to give up all junk food and never touch a carbohydrate again!!!” Sound familiar? Don’t despair, we have all been there. When we first start something, we have all the drive in the world and we seem unstoppable in reaching our goal of a healthier lifestyle. This is where we need to go back to the term healthier lifestyle. The term is simply too broad, you must give yourself more direction, after that, how will you get there? There are a few relatively simple tricks that can keep you stepping in the straight and narrow. First, keep a food diary. I know that seems like such a waste of time, but when you actually stop and take the time to write down what you eat and how much of it you eat, you might actually shock yourself. Very few of us actually gauge correctly how much we have ate in a given day. Look at the journal as a way to keep you honest. Second silly trick of the day, set your fork down between bites. Nearly all Americans eat their meals like somebody is going to snatch it from them. With all this speed-eating, our stomachs don’t have time to relay the information to our brains that we are full. Last tip of the day, make time! Life will get in the way that is what it is supposed to do. However, your health is more important than you give it credit for, let’s say you’re too tired and out of shape because you couldn’t find time to go for that walk,  how do you explain that to your son who just wants to keep playing? Or your bosses who can’t seem to understand your lagging productivity? Set aside a part of your day, all it takes is thirty minutes that is solely for your physical activity, you will never be able to thank yourself enough for it.

 

Step 3.  Go for it!

            Ok, you have made your goals mean something to you again and you even have a plan now that will help you get there. Now, the hardest part of it all right? Having to pull yourself away from this computer screen and go do it. Wrong!!! Step three is easily the best part of the whole process. You have got all the hard stuff out of the way, now it’s time to have fun. You have to make your new lifestyle peppered a healthy dose of fitness enjoyable, because lets face it, if it isn’t fun, you will not keep it up. Find a buddy, bring along the dog and grab your favorite mp3 player, anything that can help keep you motivated. Some of the most successful people in changing their lifestyles are those whose partners have the same goals. Get your hubby/wife up and moving with you, help each other stay motivated because in the end, you both will benefit. Perhaps you and a group of co-workers all got together and decided to get healthy. Now that you are reenergized, get them motivated, you never know how much your encouragement can mean to another person.

 

 

Alex Huddleston, CPT-NCSF

For more information or just wanting to comment, please contact me at huddlestonalex@gmail.com

 

Disclaimer: All views expressed are purely opinion and should be viewed for entertainment purposes only. Always consult a physician before attempting any exercise program or diet change.