New Year's Resolutions

I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions. I figure that if I need to make a change in my life, I really don't think I should wait hundreds of days to start working on that change! Like...if I decide that on January 1st I will give up say....white sugar, but I scarf down a brownie on Jan 2nd, then that I means I have to wait 363 days to start again? Not a smart move!

I do, though, look forward to the start of a new year and all the cool things that might happen in the upcoming year. Personally, that’s kinda exciting!

Traditionally January is always when we see a boost in members, participants, and clients! In fact, all those years I was a Fitness Director, it was also big boost to my budget :) Yea!! That's when I budgeted for buying or replacing equipment, sending my staff to additional trainings, developing incentives for staff and participants, plus purchasing all the items that make a successful fitness program! :)

The down side to the "New Year Rush" (besides some regulars complaining about sharing their space with “newbies”) is that I frequently see new exercisers set themselves up for injury or burnout! My biggest challenge has always been: "how do I help these people make it past February!?!"

Here are some suggestions:

• Make your goals specific. For example-promise yourself you’ll walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes every Tuesday and Thursday. Which brings me to my next piece of advice...
• Make your goals reasonable!! Seriously, if you weren't working out 6 times a week last month, you probably won't be working out 6 times a week next month. Try going from your zero times a week to doing 3 times a week-then slowly add to that!
• Don’t forget you’re a beginner, so don't go killing yourself by overdoing it! You’ll only end up with an injury and be forced to wait til January 2013 to start again!! just kidding.
• Hire a trainer. I know, I know…..a shameless plug for Personal Trainers but a trainer can help you create a safe, effective workout that will get you in shape fast! Or hire a trainer and meet once a week for 6 weeks to keep you accountable!
• Don’t give up if you have a little setback-kids get sick, we get sick, we go on vacations…Chalk it up to a few “off” days and get back on that treadmill. For heaven’s sake don’t wait till next year’s resolution!
• Do something you actually enjoy-or at least don’t hate so much :)
• Find a workout buddy! This is one of the best ways to be achieve your goals. And it’s just so much more fun!

All that being said, if making a New Year’s resolution helps you take that first step towards good health in 2012-then resolve away!!