Saturday, 31 January 2009
Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight and get in shape? If so, how are they going so far? The first month of the New Year is over and I imagine so are many people’s attempts are their “get fit” resolutions.
So many people make the mistake of trying to radically change their diet and exercise routine overnight. If you try to change too many things too quickly you will set yourself up to fail.
Here are a few tips to get you back on track:
1) Assess your food choices, exercise patterns (or lack thereof), and lifestyle. Identify behaviours you want to change. Instead of saying, “I want to eat healthier,” break that thought down into more concrete objectives. For example, instead of having those crisps every afternoon, start off slowly by replacing them with a healthier snack. This week have crisps four days and have a small handful of nuts on other days.
2) Set goals that are realistic and attainable. For example, if you want to start an exercise program, but haven’t worked out in years don’t expect yourself to be able to put on your running shoes and do five miles. Start by aiming for a half mile. If you want to lose two stone break this goal down into half stone targets. Being able to achieve short term goals will keep you motivated to reaching your long term goals. Small steps will lead to big changes.
3) Don’t expect change to happen overnight. It probably took you a few years to gain the weight you’d like to lose, so you can’t expect it to disappear overnight. If you have set realistic and attainable goals then they will become habit. For example, if you start a weight resistance program you would feel the benefits within a few weeks and see results within a few months. If someone or something promises you overnight or sudden change it probably is too good to be true.
4) You will reap more benefits by having a qualified professional there to motivate you and guide you in your quest for health. You can find both exercise and nutrition professionals on line, through gyms, or in the phone book. It is important to find someone that is professionally qualified AND that has your goals in mind.
5) Be kind to yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard and go easy on yourself if you have a small set back.
So many people make the mistake of trying to radically change their diet and exercise routine overnight. If you try to change too many things too quickly you will set yourself up to fail.
Here are a few tips to get you back on track:
1) Assess your food choices, exercise patterns (or lack thereof), and lifestyle. Identify behaviours you want to change. Instead of saying, “I want to eat healthier,” break that thought down into more concrete objectives. For example, instead of having those crisps every afternoon, start off slowly by replacing them with a healthier snack. This week have crisps four days and have a small handful of nuts on other days.
2) Set goals that are realistic and attainable. For example, if you want to start an exercise program, but haven’t worked out in years don’t expect yourself to be able to put on your running shoes and do five miles. Start by aiming for a half mile. If you want to lose two stone break this goal down into half stone targets. Being able to achieve short term goals will keep you motivated to reaching your long term goals. Small steps will lead to big changes.
3) Don’t expect change to happen overnight. It probably took you a few years to gain the weight you’d like to lose, so you can’t expect it to disappear overnight. If you have set realistic and attainable goals then they will become habit. For example, if you start a weight resistance program you would feel the benefits within a few weeks and see results within a few months. If someone or something promises you overnight or sudden change it probably is too good to be true.
4) You will reap more benefits by having a qualified professional there to motivate you and guide you in your quest for health. You can find both exercise and nutrition professionals on line, through gyms, or in the phone book. It is important to find someone that is professionally qualified AND that has your goals in mind.
5) Be kind to yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard and go easy on yourself if you have a small set back.
# posted by zestforlifefitness @ 11:04 
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