Are you staying true to your fitness resolutions?
It is now that time of year when we have made our New Year's resolutions and, once again, many of us will promise that this year we will get fit.

Yet, according to the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals, 50 per cent of new exercisers quit their workout regimen within six to eight weeks. So what do you need to stay away from being a statistic?
Motivation.

Achieving your fitness goals
To stay motivated, you should look at your new exercise routine as a way of life, not a short-term goal. Most of us already know the benefits that can be reaped from regular physical activity. Staying active often means staying healthy, so here are some ways to achieve your fitness goals.

- Make it personal: To successfully change your lifestyle, it is imperative that the change is something you have decided to do for yourself. It is difficult continuing an exercise program if it is someone else

- Everything in moderation: If you say that you are never going to have chocolate again, chances of that happening are next to nil. Rather than setting yourself up for failure, give yourself limitations. Remember you want to make changes that are going to last a lifetime, not a month.

- Put it in writing: Keep a workout log and food journal. You are less likely to ditch a workout session or eat that dessert if you know you have to actually write it down. Also, by keeping a log, you will be able to see what helps you to progress and what doesn't.

- Stay away from the scale: The numbers on the scale can be deceiving. A scale won't help you to measure cardiovascular health or other important benefits of regular exercise. Also, remember as you build muscle your weight may increase because muscle is heavier than fat. Relying on how your clothes fit and how you feel are more accurate

- Just do it!: People spend far too much time analyzing about exercise, just get up and get active! Even if you can only fit in 15 minutes, three times per week, something is better than nothing.

- Seek help when you need it: From beginners to advanced body builders, everyone can use the help of a trainer to spice up a routine, gain knowledge about nutrition and exercise and provide that extra bit of motivation when needed.

- If at first you don't succeed, try again: Be aware that it is not uncommon for people to fall off the wagon at some point. If and when that happens, try not to let it discourage you. Take the time to regroup, recognize the barrier and then get back on track with your routine.

So remember as you begin the six week period in the New Year, stay motivated, keep on track and have fun, and you will find it won't be so much work to keep your fitness resolutions.

By Laura Bonter
519.631.4934
In Home Fitness and Lifestyle Management

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