Tag: resolutions

It’s another new year and of course all the “new year, new you” stuff is flying fast and furious.

Yes, it’s a new year. Yes, there are 365 days to write your next chapter. It is awesome. We all have the power to effect positive changes, though – any time we choose. We don’t need a new year, a new season, a new month or a Monday.

Here’s my wish for you for New Year’s health and fitness resolutions:

Forget the weight. Stop obsessing about “what you weighed in high school”. Don’t fixate on a number on a scale. Seriously. It measures your relationship with gravity. Turn your focus elsewhere. Focus instead on strength. If you run, focus on pace or distance or form. How do you feel? Are you winded climbing one flight of stairs? Do you have energy (without caffeine) to get through the day? How do your clothes fit? These things are much more indicative of health then overall weight. Really. Let it go. Get brave and throw out the scale! (If you must measure something because you have to have tangible evidence of progress, take your measurements; waist, hips, chest, arm and leg!)

Find something you love to do. Do you loathe the dreadmill? Why do it then?! If you hate doing something, it’s not going to stick. There are a bazillion ways to move your body. Surely there is at least one way to move that doesn’t make you feel like poking your eye out. Figure out what that thing is and do it! A body in motion stays in motion – it’s more than just some funny saying.

Focus on adding things in. Instead of making giant sweeping changes that make you hate your life, hate your food and crave crap, why not try something different? Less deprivation and more inclusion. Want to eat less junky foods? Great! Focus on adding in fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat the rainbow! Try a new fruit that you’ve never had. Have you seen the selection at most grocery stores? There’s likely some produce you’ve never tried. If you are full of whole, healthy foods, you will crave junky foods less. Want to include more exercise? Awesome. Instead of drastic measures like “I’m going to workout 7 times a week!”start from where you are. If you never workout, try including 1-2 workouts per week. Already pretty consistent? Try adding in 1 more workout if that’s your goal.

Sleep. Get more of it. Really. Your phone will still be there in the morning. If you drink caffeine, stop drinking it after noon so it won’t affect your sleep. There are many studies that link unhealth to lack of sleep. Check a few out here, here, and here.

Make the decision. If you are making health and fitness goals, awesome! Do it. Make a plan, follow through. If it doesn’t work, that’s fine – but don’t you dare give up! My trainer used to say, “Quit quitting on yourself!” She was right! Reformulate your plan. Adjust. Learn what doesn’t work for you, and why. Get help. Seek advice from your doctor or a registered dietician. Hire a personal trainer. Have people on your team guiding you toward your goals!

Less apologizing. No saying “I’m sorry,” because you can’t do a push up on your toes, balance the way you think you should, or run a mile. There is no need for an apology. Your fitness level is what it is. We work from where we are and make progress. As a trainer, I promise you – I’m not judging. I want to help you get where you want to be. No apologies necessary.

Here’s to a healthy and successful 2016!