by Kristen Desmond
When it comes to fitness resolutions, why do we always hear about people setting them, but not keeping them? Now is the time to break the cycle of on-again, off-again fitness resolutions with a resolve to set and keep goals that will lead to a healthier you. Don't wait for the New Year, or even next week. These simple strategies will help you get started right away.
Set a realistic goal. Good goals are realistic, specific, positive and have a timeframe attached. What is it you really want to achieve? Do you want to run a 5K? Learn to swim? Lose weight? Gain improved strength and flexibility? No matter what your goal, set it, be specific and include a timeframe for achieving it.
Remember — less is more when it comes to setting and sticking with fitness goals. Don't try to do everything at once. This is where being realistic comes into play. Focus on setting a goal that's within your control and fits your lifestyle, commitments and circumstances. Once you meet that goal, you can move on to the next one.
Build a support group. Once you've set your goal, tell a friend or colleague. There's nothing like a little peer pressure to keep you honest about your commitments. Join a training group. Whatever your level, surrounding yourself with like-minded swimmers, runners or cyclists will keep you motivated. Join a class or club, or hire a trainer to help you meet your goal. Share your goal with your family or roommates and ask for their support in sticking with it. Better yet, get them to join you by setting their own fitness goals. Building a support network will go a long way toward helping you maintain your resolve.
Gear up. More often than not, a fitness regime requires the proper clothing, shoes or equipment. Invest in yourself and your goal with at least the most basic gear required to get started. Equipping yourself appropriately increases your motivation and helps you avoid injury that can sidetrack your fitness efforts.
Make it visible. Put together a training calendar and post it where it can serve as a constant reminder of your resolve. Block time for your fitness sessions in your personal and/or professional calendar, just as you would any other appointment. Keep a fitness journal. Take time every day to reflect and document how you're feeling, what you accomplished that day, what behaviors are supporting your resolve, what behaviors may be sabotaging your resolve and what you're going to do to get back on track.
Take the long view. Making any lifestyle change, such as improving your fitness, takes time. Patience is a virtue — for a reason. If time is trying your patience, don't be afraid to make minor adjustments along the way. Set smaller, interim goals that will help you achieve small victories along the way.
We all have family, work, travel and other commitments to juggle. Expect that there will be challenges and hiccups along the way. Practice flexibility. If something or someone throws a wrench in your fitness program, rethink, reset and find ways to make it work instead of throwing in the towel.
Reward yourself. Once you've achieved your goal, you deserve a reward! Think of a special way to recognize your own achievement. It could be a gift of gear, a massage, a pedicure, a new gadget, an experience or a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Then, use the positive momentum of achieving your goal to set and keep a new resolution, knowing that the next reward will be that much sweeter!
When she's not running or cooking healthy grub, Kristen Desmond is a freelance writer living in Santa Barbara, Calif. Find her healthy recipes at www.getyouryummyback.com.
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