"Spring" Into Exercising!

It's that time of year! The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and we are getting ready for spring! Around this time of year, naturally, we get motivated to become more active. The weather is warmer and we are able to get outside more and do a larger variety of activites. Unlike the winter, we aren't limited to the indoors. Overall, we feel better when the sun is shining down on us and our bodies are able to move better in the warmer weather, rather than the cold. With all of this motivation coming our way, it is smart to make a goal for yourself this spring. Small goals are better than bigger goals. If you set small goals for yourself, you are more likely to achieve them. Bigger goals will only set you up for disaster. Set small, long term goals which are more attainable and you will be more likely to maintain them. Whereas if you set a big goal, short term, you will likely not maintain it, even if you achieve it.

Examples of a small but long term goal: To add some sort of exercise into your daily routine. Something that you will be able to fit into your crazy life with your full time job, family of 5 and household chores. Maybe it is making a goal to take a 30 minute walk after dinner each night, or wake up 30 minutes earlier to do a fitness dvd. Maybe your goal is making sure you add vegetables to each meal, every single day. Another goal could be to try a new physical activity once a week, on top of what you already do. If your goal is weight loss, make it realistic. Aim for the healthy 1lb-2lb a week, and consult a doctor while doing this.

Examples of big but short term goals: To lose 10 lbs in a week by doing a fast. You will lose weight, but when you start eating a normal meal plan again, you will gain weight back quickly. Another would be, restricting calories so much that you end up bingeing. Finally, over exercising could be counter productive, or you could get used to a routine and eventually not be able to keep up with that rigourous routine anymore that leads to weight gain.

All in all, it is smart to find a balance and to do things in moderation. Managing your life style in smaller steps is the key to long term success in health and wellness.