Make Specific Fitness Plans for Your New Year's Resolution

I went to the gym on January 2, 2012 and a guy struck a conversation with me. While talking, he asked if coming to the gym was my new year's resolution. I told him no because I exercise all the time. I've been exercising seriously since my senior year in high school and have never looked back. I've educated myself about fitness through research, fitness mentors and reading magazines such as Shape Magazine and Prevention Magazine. I even got certified and taught group fitness for several years. Fitness is a lifestyle not a fad.

I usually dread the beginning of the new year like a sweaty exercise machine because the gym gets crowded with many people who's new year's resolution is to exercise. On the other hand, I welcome the new faces because people made the decision to change their lives for the better. I'd like to encourage all new and returning exercisers to stick with their planned resolution so that it becomes a lifestyle or a habit. 

I've never used weight loss as a reason to exercise and that could be why I've stuck with it for over 20 years. Instead, I make a plan and focus on other results rather than weight loss even though that's an excellent incentive. For instance, set a goal to walk, run or swim at least three days a week for 30 minutes or do ten push-ups by June. Basically, set realistic goals and be more specific. It helps to write them down in a journal, on a calendar, or a whiteboard. When you see them written down, they seem more real. 

This year, I plan to run my first half-marathon in May. Even though my training begins at the end of February, my goal is to run at least four miles a week so that I'll be ready for the arduous marathon training. Another goal is to weight train with heavier weights twice a week. Now these goals are more specific than me just saying I want to loose weight. Shedding the pounds will come with the running, other exercises and weight training.

Some days will be challenging but stick to it. It takes about six to eight weeks to build a habit. If you fall off the wagon and you miss a goal, don't beat yourself up or throw in the towel. There are days I feel guilty because I took a day off instead of going to the gym but I don't beat myself up for long and get back on my plan. Rome wasn't built in one day and your fitness program will gradually come together. Apply the lesson in Aesop's fable The Tortoise and the Hare and pace yourself. Keep your eyes on your fitness prize and here is to your health.