For more than 30 years I have witnessed bulging Fitness classes full of “New Year’s people”, drizzle by Valentine’s Day to the ” regulars”, plus two or three keeners who stuck with their resolutions.
This year I was inspired by an article I read on Fitness Trackers to share some tips on successful goal attainment based on my long term experience as a Fitness Leader and Personal Trainer. Why is it that so many people start January pumped full of enthusiasm to get in shape only to end up watching TV and eating chocolates by Valentine’s Day?
Who doesn’t want to be healthier, but just saying it does not make it so. You can’t just wake up one day, go to the airport and get on a plane to Hawaii to compete in the Ironman. This goal takes time and step by step planning to train, qualify, and complete. There is a step by step process involved. Stop thinking of getting in shape as a resolution and more of a lifestyle. Just like a trip, retirement or a wedding; planning can aid in a successful outcome.
Here are 7 tips to help you with your New Year’s Wellness Goals
- Visualizing and thinking BIG is awesome – but be realistic when you write down what you want to accomplish and your time lines in getting there. Think about how long it took you to get this out of shape.
- Make a list of steps to reach your goal, use an APP, a piece of paper or your calendar. One of the repeated steps is evaluation. Once a week, pause, and reflect on how you are doing so you can stay on track. Reinforce positive behaviours and celebrate milestones.
- How will you know how you are doing if you do not have a starting point? A lot of people weigh themselves but what about checking your glucose levels, cholesterol, blood pressure, body fat, target and training heart rates. Pick numbers that are pertinent to your goals and your situation. Re-measure in appropriate time lines.
- Join a group real or virtual. Hang out with positive, active, healthy people.
- Get help from a professional. As a Personal Trainer I watch my client’s heart rate monitor so I can give them an excellent exercise session, perfect for their needs. If you have a heart rate monitor, Fitbit or other device that measures your pulse, book a session with a Personal Trainer to learn how you can use this info to get a great workout. Make a list of all your questions and get professional advice specific for your health.
- A Registered Dietician or Registered Holistic Nutritionist can help you with your nutrition challenges. Have you tried weekly food preparation? I have seen much success in improved nutrition and weight loss with simple grocery shopping lists, planned meals and food packaging once or twice a week. Simplify your food to grab & go and pre-prepared options.
- Got a lot to balance? A Life Coach or Psychologist can help you from feeling overwhelmed. The number one excuse I hear preventing people from healthy eating and regular exercise is, “I don’t have time”. When will you have time? Make yourself a priority and you will soon be celebrating your success.
Laurie B,
CanFitPro Personal Trainer and BCRPA TFL
