As January approaches, lots of people make New Year resolutions. This list of promises help keep them focused and motivated throughout the coming year. Some of the most common resolutions (and toughest!) are those promises related to exercise, fitness, diet, losing weight and health. Yet, these personal health challenges should be at the top of your list. Improving one’s health has incredible impact on our entire lifestyle—mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual.
These personal promises can be hard to keep, so here are some tips and tricks to help you maintain your New Year’s resolutions, lose weight and feel better about yourself:
- Personal Accountability. Despite their cajoling and teasing remarks, your true friends and family will always be there to support you, no matter what. Inform them of your intent, and ask them to continuously keep you on schedule, especially when times get rough and discouraging. Do away with naysayers and those who doubt your intentions, while learning to accept inspiration and discipline from those who really care.
- Be inspired. One of the fastest ways people give up on something is to fall into a routine or repetitious mindset. Avoid doing the same thing over and over and find something interesting or inspiring about your new health routine. If running is a part of your regime, then enjoy the scenery, listen to your favorite music, or join others. If food choices become mundane, look for alternatives to your current menu that won’t burden your budget.
- Keep track of your progress. No matter where you go, there you are. This makes it very difficult to see the subtle changes in your own body. Don’t forget to document your developments. Take monthly pictures and notes of your gradual climb to the ideal physical and mental form to keep yourself aware of your personal progress. Show them to your loved ones, who will likely notice it much sooner than you. Consider buying a high-end scale that measures body fat, visceral fat, skeletal muscle mass and body mass index.
- Reward yourself. As you begin to see results, make sure to enjoy your accomplishments. Take a break, get a manicure, have some fun with your friends and family. If your indulgences are manageable and within reason, then you won’t have to worry about being lethargic or gaining back all that you’ve lost.
- If it’s not working, find another way. It if feels like it’s not working out fast enough for you, find an alternative and see if that works. Keep searching for ways to improve yourself. Once you’ve found that exercise regimen that’s perfect for you, keep at it!
- Keep moving forward. Somewhere along the way, you will want to stop or give up. Don’t let it conquer you! Talk to your accountability partner, and get encouraged. Even if you fail and slip back into your old ways, it’s not too late. Don’t give up. Start again and keep moving forward. Set backs are normal. If you plan for them, then they won’t conquer you.
- Hire a Personal Trainer. Personal trainers are just that—personal. You own private coach will keep you going during the lulls of motivation. If finances are an issues, hire a personal trainer once a week or even once a month. Or, find a fitness bootcamp that meets once or twice a week. Paying for personal training provides an added level of accountability.
May this coming year be a year of success and victories for your health and fitness!
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If you’re ready to kick off the New Year with a personal trainer to help you establish and keep some realistic fitness goals, please contact me today. I provide in-home personal training service for women in Colleyville, Southlake, Grapevine, Bedford, Euless, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Arlington and Irving.