New Years Resolution

Losing Weight--No Simple Resolution

It is mid-November and it has been unseasonably warm. Many of you put up Christmas lights this past weekend. Perhaps you have even created your list of New Year's resolutions to include losing weight for a spring cruise. Just saying that you want to lose weight isn't going to provide the impetus to do it. Instead, approaching your fitness goals by evaluating why and how fit you want to be, is the answer to your resolution. In other words, envision what you want to achieve through fitness, write it down (i.e. I want to lose 10 pounds), and finally, make a game plan.

First off, each person needs to define what “health” means to them. For most people, they are interested in health in order to pursue other things they are passionate about in their lives. As mentioned above, some want to get in shape for that all-important spring cruise. Find out where you stand in terms of fitness.

Another important aspect is that you should “want” to be healthy. Choosing your health means comprehending what it will take to get there—usually, a lot of hard work and difficult lifestyle changes. I have found that many people, once informed of the effort needed, will realize they don't want it that badly. I would have to agree that it is better to know that now, than to fail with fitness regimens when your heart is not really in it.

Once you define what your health and fitness is to you, and you have chosen to be healthy, it is now time to create the game plan. The game plan will be unique to each person, depending on the personal vision of health. In other words, there is not a diet or exercise program that is universal. Some things may seem very unconventional to a bodybuilder like me, but totally “right” for a stay-at-home mom. I believe there are some common ground components, however. For instance, you need strength building, stretching, and aerobics, in any good exercise program.

If you are having trouble getting started or do not think you have the time, I have listed a few things that may help get you on track.

1.      Stay consistent with your workouts. Try not to skip. If you are going out of town for a few days, map out a walking or jogging program where you will be staying. Google some routine exercises that can be done in a hotel gym or your hotel room.

2.      Begin your day with your workout. The sooner you get it done, the less likely you are to have other obligations get in the way.

3.      Plan your workouts ahead of time. This will save you time and make you less apt to quit midway through when you do not know what to do next.

4.      Write a daily blog or post a daily entry on Facebook or Twitter regarding your exercise routine. When others know about your accomplishments, you will feel more accountable and motivated to stick with your routine.

5.      Multi-task during your cardio session. I like to check email on my smartphone or make lists on my memo app for things to do later. Use this time wisely so you are not getting anxious about what you need to do next.

6.      When the rush of the season is getting to you, try to allocate a section of your day for relaxation. Read a book, read a daily devotion, or simply sit quietly.

Finally, be mindful of your progress and make any necessary changes and adjustments along the way. Health and fitness is not a static process, but one that needs to be evaluated on a regular basis.

I hope this has helped set the ball in motion to a healthier lifestyle. Stick with your IronLadyDoc and see where we can go together! Take your health Center Stage!