It's that time of the year when people vow
to make changes. Maybe it's time to quit smoking, learn another language
or take that kickboxing class you've been putting off all of last year.
Regardless of what it is, you want to improve yourself in one way or
another. One of the most common resolutions that people make is to get
in better shape. It's no coincidence that January is the month when gyms
rack up the most enrollments. How many of these new members will you
see still see there in April? If you really want to make changes, do it
in a way that will set you up for long term success. Don't flip a switch
and decide that you're all of a sudden a fitness enthusiast. That's a
recipe for failure. Here are five ways that you can make your new
venture a successful one.
Create a Plan
Plan your day from
beginning to end. From the time you wake up to the time you plan to
retire for the night. Plan the day and times for laundry, grocery
shopping and so on. Once you've done that, pick three days that you
cleared your schedule to exercise for 45 minutes. It can be at home or
at a gym so plan commute time accordingly. If waking up early before
work is your best option, plan to get to bed earlier so you can wake up
ready to go. If you plan to go after work, bring a gym bag to work so
that you don't have to stop home afterwards. Once you consistently go
three times a week, try adding a fourth day to the mix.
Make Gradual Changes
Bad
habits didn't develop overnight and they can't be undone in that manner
either. These toxins that we rely on have addictive properties that are
hard to shake. The probability of quitting smoking by going from three
packs a day to none at all is highly unlikely. Just like with everything
else, it takes time and a consistent effort. The same goes with eating
sugars, drinking coffee and a sedentary lifestyle. Take small steps in
the right direction. Start with reducing the amounts of sugars you eat.
Make a goal every week to eat less and less sugar. From drinks to foods,
gradually phase them out of your diet. While doing this, try to sneak
some exercise into your routine. If three times a week seems extreme,
try two times, maybe for thirty minutes to start. Then lengthen your
workouts and up your weekly visits as you get more accustomed to that
lifestyle.
Set Goals For Yourself
Set goals to eliminate bad
foods from your diet, to get to the gym and to improve your current
fitness level. Allow yourself 50 grams (if you consume more than that)
of sugar for the week and 2 gym visits. Practice pushups until failure.
If you can do 6 repetitions at the moment, set a goal for to reach 10
repetitions in three weeks for example. Keep setting new challenges and
new goals that will build on your previous results. Not only will it
keep you more engaged in your workouts, it will let you track your
progress.
Challenge Friends
You held a plank for one minute
for your first time. You're excited, now challenge a friend or coworker
to do the same. You did it, now see how long it takes them to do it.
Maybe a weight loss challenge, who can do the most pushups or hold the
longest plank. The more people engaged, the easier it becomes. You may
even find a gym partner, which is the best way to push yourself through
those rough days that you probably wouldn't make it. You can't let your
gym partner go alone, they need you!
Don't Listen To Bad Advice
If
you seek advice or nutrition counseling, go to a professional and
disregard what anyone else has to say. Follow their advice and see where
it leads you over a three month period. Don't give up after a week
because you aren't seeing results. Only take advice from one person at a
time. If you hired a personal trainer or dietician, take their advice
and their advice only. The more people you ask for advice, the more
contradictory information you will receive. Everyone has their own
opinion or some silly fad diet that worked for them or how to build
muscle or lose weight. Don't look for shortcuts or a quick and easy fix
because there aren't any. Pace yourself throughout the journey and enjoy
each step you take.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Phillip_J_Schiefer/1974903
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