How is that New Year's resolution to get into better shape coming along; still bright eyes and bushy tail? If you are vowing to attend kickboxing class every day in 2007 and be on the cover of a fitness magazine by February 1, your resolve is not going to last long. Probably, the same amount of time it will take me to write this post. Before you trip and fall over ambitious goals that exceed your ability to accomplish them, you need to take a few things into consideration:
Manage Your Vision
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. If you have not exercised regularly for sometime, it is unrealistic to think that you can shape-up in just one month. Start off slowly by setting short-term specific goals that move toward your vision. Making general statements like "I want to be more active" rarely leads to successful productivity; say, "I am going to use the steps instead of taking the elevator at work." Something that simple can jump-start your resolution, and begin an activity that will occur frequently enough to become a healthy habit.
Evaluate Before You Spring Foward
Take time to figure out where you have been, and how you want to proceed. Winter is traditionally a season for self-reflection and rejuvenation. Try engaging in activities that revitalize and promote self-awareness such as yoga, stretch, and pilates. Traditionally, these activites allow you to exercise at a comfortable moderate pace, while developing internal core strength and flexibility; key variables for participating in more strenous forms of exercise later on. By the spring season, you will be well on your way to reaching your goal.
Frequency Over Duration
In the beginning, time spent exercising is not nearly as important as just bothering to exercise. To make a permanent life style change, a desired behavior has to become a habit. You need to workout often enough that doing so becomes second nature. Then you can increase the duration of your activity as you progress and gain confidence.
Slips Are Ok
Don't get discouraged if something pops up at work, and you can't get to your favorite aerobic class. Slips are bound to happen; try having an alternative plan for days that you can't get to the gym. A swift stroll around the office parking lot can be just the thing to help you maintain and stay on track.
Look For Your Best Fit
There are lots of ways to exercise your body. Some activities will appeal to you more than others. Even when and where you workout can effect how well you sustain a consistent routine. So don't be afraid to experiment with the variables of your plan until you figure out what works best for you.
The bottom line is that you have to find a way to make exercising matter. Otherwise, the only thing your gym membership card does is to serve as a reminder of your failure to commit, and that the fitness club is geting free money by deducting monthly fees out of your checking account.
Finally, be determined like this woman who decided to take my suggestion of using the steps at work instead of the elevator. She fell, but she is going to try it again tomorrow. Poor soul hasn't quite mastered puting one foot in front of the other.
Manage Your Vision
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. If you have not exercised regularly for sometime, it is unrealistic to think that you can shape-up in just one month. Start off slowly by setting short-term specific goals that move toward your vision. Making general statements like "I want to be more active" rarely leads to successful productivity; say, "I am going to use the steps instead of taking the elevator at work." Something that simple can jump-start your resolution, and begin an activity that will occur frequently enough to become a healthy habit.
Evaluate Before You Spring Foward
Take time to figure out where you have been, and how you want to proceed. Winter is traditionally a season for self-reflection and rejuvenation. Try engaging in activities that revitalize and promote self-awareness such as yoga, stretch, and pilates. Traditionally, these activites allow you to exercise at a comfortable moderate pace, while developing internal core strength and flexibility; key variables for participating in more strenous forms of exercise later on. By the spring season, you will be well on your way to reaching your goal.
Frequency Over Duration
In the beginning, time spent exercising is not nearly as important as just bothering to exercise. To make a permanent life style change, a desired behavior has to become a habit. You need to workout often enough that doing so becomes second nature. Then you can increase the duration of your activity as you progress and gain confidence.
Slips Are Ok
Don't get discouraged if something pops up at work, and you can't get to your favorite aerobic class. Slips are bound to happen; try having an alternative plan for days that you can't get to the gym. A swift stroll around the office parking lot can be just the thing to help you maintain and stay on track.
Look For Your Best Fit
There are lots of ways to exercise your body. Some activities will appeal to you more than others. Even when and where you workout can effect how well you sustain a consistent routine. So don't be afraid to experiment with the variables of your plan until you figure out what works best for you.
The bottom line is that you have to find a way to make exercising matter. Otherwise, the only thing your gym membership card does is to serve as a reminder of your failure to commit, and that the fitness club is geting free money by deducting monthly fees out of your checking account.
Finally, be determined like this woman who decided to take my suggestion of using the steps at work instead of the elevator. She fell, but she is going to try it again tomorrow. Poor soul hasn't quite mastered puting one foot in front of the other.
2 comments:
you funny...
Elmo: Humor helps to spoon feed the truth.
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