Health and Fitness: Getting back on track for a healthier lifestyle

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: MELISSA NOVACASKA
Hitting the gym and getting back into a solid fitness routine can be a challenge after the holidays, but creating a reasonable plan and sticking to it is key to a healthier lifestyle

Ready? Aim…FIRE! It's time to light up your motivation and break out of your holiday and winter slump. You ate, drank and were merry until your cheeks lit up like cherries, so now it's time to bring that excitement back to the gym. Ditch the New Year's Resolutions and instead opt for living in the present moment of how you feel today.

Wait a minute……what if you just don't feel like putting on your best spandex and sweating out mom's cheesecake with (did they double the weights of all the bars in the gym?) a tough routine? Don't worry, it happens to all of us. The longer time you take off, the harder it is to get back and stick to that old routine. So it's time for something new.

First of all, set a goal. If you are not sure where to start, you can first try the complimentary orientation and individual program design at the Student Wellness C entre; register at studentwellnesscentre.ca. Even if you've been at it for a while, it's nice to have a chat with a trainer and come up with strategies for change. You can also try some goal setting websites such as goal-buddy.com or joesgoals.com.

Rather than setting a big resolution that is months away, take it one or two weeks at a time and just change one thing.

Once you have made it a habit, keep up with that habit and add another. Make it as specific as possible and find a way to measure your progress (i.e. calendar with check marks).

What happens if you don't achieve your goal or you are not consistent with your habit for that one to two week period? Maybe it's not the right time, maybe it's not specific enough or maybe you need to approach it differently. For example, you may choose going to the gym each day as your habit. It sounds specific enough but it's also really easy to break this habit. Make it as specific as possible by planning out your specific activity each day and recording it in your calendar at a specific time. Make sure to check it off when you have finished.

If all of this seems overwhelming or requires too much planning, try using an app such as MyFitnessPal to track your goals or hire a personal trainer to work with one to three times a week for guidance, motivation and setting up S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable and time) goals. It may also be really helpful to recruit a workout buddy and keep each other accountable and motivated.

Remember, the past is the past and you can control what is happening right now. Trust your instincts and let your inner voice lead you in a positive direction. Put the distractions away and spend some time on improving your health and well-being and you will see the results in all aspects of life.