The New Year is on the horizon. Tomorrow you need to hit the ground running (perhaps literally) in pursuit of your wellness goals.
I'm pretty confident that you can easily find an article or two about goal setting for the New Year, so I'll skip the traditional resolution material and get to what I believe are the essentials for your fitness success.
OK, I couldn't totally get away from the goal-setting issue. You've got to have one. Just make sure it's simple and challenging, yet attainable. You have to know where you are headed before you can set sail.
Once you're committed, picking and sticking to a time to exercise is a key to success.
Develop a fitness plan that includes the days of the week and the time you're going to work out. Find a time with the least possibility for interruption, your highest level of motivation and your greatest amount of energy.
Write it on the calendar and keep the appointment at all costs. Develop the habit; do not stray from the schedule unless it is absolutely necessary.
Finding a place to work out might be one of the most crucial pieces to the puzzle. You have to be excited about your workout environment, or you'll likely lose interest.
Maybe a home gym is the best answer, or maybe you need a change of scenery that a fitness center can offer.
When looking for a place to exercise, make sure you test-drive it first. Do not commit until you know it's the right fit. Make sure it's convenient and that it offers what you need in order to achieve your goal(s).
Start a log of your New Year journey. You can make it as detailed as you like, but at least make sure that you record your daily nutrition habits and your workouts.
When you know you're recording what you eat, you're more inclined to make good choices. Taking note of your workouts gives you something to build off and chart your progress.
Get a piece of cardio equipment for the home -- yes, even if you have a gym membership. Having the ability to get some exercise done at home is nice for the days that just don't go as planned or for those occasions when you want to sneak in a little extra.
Don't skimp on cardio equipment. First, get what you want and what you know you'll use. Second, make sure of the quality and durability.
If it works with your schedule and your goal, find a workout partner. Having a partner can be motivating, it can create a competitive atmosphere, it can be social and it can be even more rewarding to see yourself and another succeed.
Finally, you'll need patience. Changes can happen quickly for untrained individuals, but eventually the pace of change might slow and your patience will be tested.
If you do the right things, the right way with consistency, good things will happen.
Have a healthy, happy and fit New Year.
Romagna is an Instructor in the Department of Health, Wellness and Recreation at the University of Dubuque, and owner of Natural Fit Inc. Contact Jim at fit@jimromagna.com.
