As the New Year approaches, many will decide to finally make a positive change and “get into shape!” The problem for many, is defining exactly what that means. Being in shape for one person can be totally different for another. An example is that being in shape is different for someone that wants to run a Marathon than someone that wants to set a personal best for their bench press. You get the point.
As we make these New Year’s resolutions, I just wanted to give a few quick tips. First, be proud that you made the decision to make a positive change in your life. That is a huge hurdle that you just passed. Now sit down and define what YOU mean by getting into shape. Be specific! Does it mean losing weight, adding muscle, just being able to walk up a set of stairs without getting winded or WHAT? THIS is YOUR decision. No one can define what you want, other than you. Now that you have made that decision, write down your specific plan of action, or at least be as specific as you can but also be realistic. If, for instance, your goal is simply to be able to walk up a set of stairs without getting winded, state on paper that I will start by walking for 5 minutes a day. Once you are comfortable with that, push yourself to 6 minutes a day and so on. Of course consulting a personal trainer will help guide you, but even if you don’t, still be willing to push yourself. Change is not easy, but in order to get results small changes MUST occur.
Some goals can be as simple as just deciding that “I will work out 3 times a week.” We all have to start somewhere, but writing these goals down instead of just saying some generic term like “getting into shape” will help. You can break little things down further by saying I will only eat fast food 3 times a week, and then drop to 2 times a week and so forth. Constant progress is the key, but you cannot beat yourself up for a minor failure. If you slip, suck it up and get right back on the program.When it comes to training clients, unless for a body building show or whatever, I ask my client’s for 90% compliance. If you can be compliant 90% of the time you WILL make progress. If you can stay on track most of the week, but every Friday you and your friends go out for a beer and pizza then do it! This will give you something to look forward to and keep you on track throughout the rest of the week. Be a realist, but commit to the change you want and stay as focused as possible.
Scott
330-554-1345
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