GET FIT IN 2007

January 1, 2007 by erin.

GET FIT IN 2007

Everyone seems to start the year off strong with their new year’s resolution of losing weight. They join the gym and hit it hard for the first month going 5 – 7 days a week… not as hard the second month, maybe 3 days a week… by March, you might see them once a week and by April they forget how to get to the gym. Does this sound familiar? Has this happened to someone you know, or are you the guilty party? Don’t be discouraged, the past does not equal the future. I am here to share with you how to stay on track with your goals and make 2007 you’re healthiest year yet!

1. So you indulged through the holidays and now find yourself holding on to a few extra pounds. The first thing to do is forgive yourself. You can’t change what you have already done, but you can do something about it starting today. Make a commitment to start making healthier choices right now. What are you going to do today to take the first step to a healthier, happier you?

2. Set SMART goals: Specific; Measurable; Action oriented; Realistic; Timely. Example: instead of saying I want to lose weight, redefine your goal in terms of specific elements that will help you achieve your desired weight loss. A. I will reduce my intake of dietary fat by 135 calories per day within the first two weeks of my new lifestyle. B. I will commit to aerobic exercise for a minimum of twenty minutes, three days per week, for the next three months. C. I will commit to sticking with my strength training routine for at least two days per week for the next three months.

3. Break larger, long term goals into smaller, thirty day goals. Your ultimate goal may be to lose 100lbs, but if after two months of hard work you measure 12lbs of weight loss, you might get discouraged to think that you still have 88lbs to go. Instead, set yourself up for success by breaking it down into smaller, thirty day goals. It takes 3500 calories to gain or lose one pound; and, a healthy rate of weight loss is 1 – 2 lbs per week. Setting a goal to lose 4lbs in one month is very attainable; and, if you actually lose six or eight, you will feel great and be highly motivated to continue with your plan.

4. The key to successfully adopting healthy habits is to start by making small lifestyle changes. The more drastic the change, the less likely you will be to adhere to your plan. Start slow; especially if you are a beginning exerciser. As you become more comfortable with exercise, you can increase intensity and duration. They same applies to nutrition. Start by making small changes to positively impact your nutrition. As these small changes become habit, make additional changes. Before you know it, people will be calling you a health nut! And don’t get discouraged; it takes most people six months to adopt new habits.

5. Consult with a fitness professional to help design your plan of action. Working with a trainer has many benefits. A personal trainer wears numerous hats when training clients – educator, motivator, confidence builder, role model, comedian and, most importantly, unique repetition counter. A qualified trainer can help you set realistic goals and can also be a great source of accountability. Other benefits of working with a trainer include ongoing fitness evaluations, a personalized, balanced, progressive program tailored to your specific needs, insurance that you are performing exercises with proper form, tempo, and intensity, and a flexibility program to target any posture deviations and tight muscles you may have.

Follow these tips and get started on the right track in 2007. With patience, persistence, and a little hard work, you can achieve your goals. To jump start your success, Erin Graham Fitness is offering a free fitness consultation. Find out your starting statistics, define your SMART goals, and put a plan in action with the help of Erin Graham, certified Personal Fitness Trainer and Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant. To contact Erin Graham Fitness Click Here. Call today to make your appointment!!