New Year's Resolutions

I'm not a big fan of New Year's Resolutions, I think they create unrealistic expectations and start the year off with a sense of dread for a lot of people. If you want to lose weight, quit smoking, start running etc pick a date and work toward it. If you are committed to January 1, 2011 as your day to make some changes then have a plan!

I have started many of my quests to become healthier on March 28, one week after my birthday and I'm happy to report I have stuck to them all. I joined the gym for the first time on March 28 and I quit smoking almost six years ago on March 28. The point is no matter what the date you need to work toward it.

If your resolution is to join a gym in January you need to start doing your research now! Visit the gym at the time you plan on going regularly, there is nothing worse than visiting a gym on a quiet Sunday afternoon to then go at 5pm on a Monday and see there are not enough treadmills or the fitness classes are all full, set time in your agenda for time to go to the gym, make sure you have the proper attire and by the time your start date arrives you are prepared and can hit the ground running.

If your goal is to lose 10lbs, make a plan. How are you going to lose those pounds, are you adding exercise, if so what type and how often? Are you aware of how many calories you need to consume to lose weight? What is your goal weight, how did you come up with that number?  Here are three links that can help:

Setting your ideal weight:  http://theworkoutshop.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-much-should-you-weigh.html

Setting how many calories you need: http://theworkoutshop.blogspot.com/2010/10/so-how-many-calories-do-you-need.html

Getting Started: http://theworkoutshop.blogspot.com/2010/10/starting-exercise-program.html


If you are planning on ringing in 2011 like it's 1999 (those of us who were teenagers in the 80's will get that one) then might I suggest you not attempt to start your fitness quest on January 1! Plan to be hungover, you will feel crapulous (like crap after a fabulous evening) and won't want to do anything physical. Take January 1 to watch the Biggest Loser marathon on TV and start January 2 rested, refreshed and ready to roll!