The most popular activity around the New Year celebration, other than the party itself, is making resolutions. The second most popular activity shortly after the celebration ends is to forget all about those inconvenient resolutions. The most popular resolutions have to do with improving your health, losing weight, losing fat, building muscle, and generally improving your image. There are several good strength training programs that will do all those things. So how do you make sure you stick with your resolutions, and achieve those goals?
Making frivolous resolutions never works. Carefully think out what you want to change, and put together a written plan of action. Write down your ultimate goal, why this is a worthy goal, how you plan to reach the goal, how long you expect to take to reach that goal, and what you are willing to give up to get there. Be as detailed as you can. Do not skip the paper and just make mental notes. Mental notes are like oral contracts. They are not worth the paper they are printed on. They are quickly forgotten.
In your written plan, be sure to include smaller steps, intermediate goals. As you progress through your plan surpassing these checkpoints, you can reward yourself with a small indulgence for sticking with your program.
Before starting any exercise program, you should check with your doctor or other healthcare professional to make sure you are healthy enough to withstand the physical stress of working out. This is necessary even if you feel healthy. This is especially true if you have any major health concerns or have been a long time couch potato. One of the dangers of any strength training or exercising program is dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water.
Don’t try to do this alone. Get a buddy. Tell your friends and loved ones what you are doing, why you are doing it, and what you hope to gain. Working out with a friend introduces peer pressure to stay with your plan. Studies have shown that exercising with someone introduces a competitive edge and improves your performance. Having a friend with you, chatting, and laughing together will keep your mind off the routine and help prevent boredom. An exercise buddy can give you encouragement, offer suggestions, and provide that added kick to keep you working toward your goals.
Choosing an exercise program to fit your personality and lifestyle will make all the difference in the world. Think about what you liked to do as a kid. An activity you enjoyed then would most likely be one that you would enjoy now. Do not do too much too soon. You are no longer that kid. Start slowly, then as your stamina improves build on your routines, and possibly add different routines.
It’s not necessary to spend a lot on exercise equipment, special clothing, or gym memberships. You can get plenty of exercise for free by walking, running, swimming, doing calisthenics, etc. Leave the expenditures until later when you know what you want to do, and know that you will keep at it.
After a couple of weeks your workout schedule will become habit, and you will be less likely to quit. You may find that you feel better, both about the exercising and the knowledge you are doing something good for yourself that you enjoy.
It takes eight weeks or more to start seeing evidence in the mirror. Make a chart to track you weight loss and fat loss, measurements, and activities. The chart will show minor improvements before you can actually see them. Changing your routine every now and then will go a long ways to keep you from getting bored and quitting.
Remember the old adage: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
By: Bob Gaffee
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Author: Bob Gaffee writes articles about various family and health topics.
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