As the Countdown to a New Year begins excitement in the air grows! To many of us a new year signals a time for new beginnings a time for a fresh start. At this time of year, I’m often asked to give some tips on setting and keeping fitness goals. For many of us its easy to talk about our resolutions but much tougher to take action and turn them into successes. As a trainer to the stars whose actors careers often depend on their commitment to the roles they play and the physical transformations they need to achieve, I know what works and how to take a thought and turn it into an action. It begins by putting it down on paper. Seeing it in print and making it a binding contract with yourself or someone else makes it real. As someone who loves to write down goals and make plans its usually the first piece of advice I give . Writing goals down, making a plan, and journaling as you make progress helps you to stay committed.
Set some goals you have always wanted to accomplish and plan to DO IT this year!
A second tip is to make your plan public. You are held accountable when others know your intentions. I recently made a fitness resolution on Facebook where I promised my fans that I would work towards a goal of being able to do 10 pull ups on my own by summer. This goal will not be achieved without me practicing it every time I get into the gym. Its a goal that I will need to allow plenty of time to achieve – at least 6 months- and I will need to find ways to remind myself to train it. With any goal, making it a priority will allow you to achieve it. If your goal is to loose a reasonable amount of weight ( “reasonable” being 2 pounds a week ) then make this goal a priority in your week. Plan your meals, and workouts and schedule social events carefully as they can sabotage goals. Include friends as training together or in group classes can be highly motivating and enjoyable.
Finally measure and record your progress and reward your achievements. One of my favourite ways to reward myself after a week or two of hard workouts is to get a massage. If your goal is weight loss then reward yourself with a new outfit or a fun fitness tool. Pedometers, Heart rate monitors are all terrific ways to stay on track.
The New Year holds endless opportunities, Do it for you in 2013! Do it the 321 way by Getting Ready Mentally, Getting Set Physically, and Going Forward Emotionally!