Keeping your New Years Health & Fitness Resolutions in 2006

Yes, it is that time again when most of us decide to make some changes in life. These are normally related to our health. Stop smoking, start training, lose some body fat, start eating healthier and so forth. According to a study conducted by GNC, 55% promised to eat healthier, 50% resolved to exercise more, and 38% wanted to lose weight.

This is the probably the worst time to make changes in your life. For one, it is highly ineffective and from previous experience, there are very few of us who actually stick to them! Only 20% of us actually stick to our new promises we make to ourselves. Most new years resolutions are the same every year, and, tend to fade away come February.

Don’t let the statistics determine your success. Here we will offer you some inside tips to help you become that 20% and ensure you resolutions remain in tact and become achievements. Never again will you need to make these New Year resolutions.

Develop a Support System
Tell your friends and family about your gaols and how you will achieve them. Better still, set some mutual goals with your friends and work together. Ask them to follow up with you on your progress from time to time to ensure you are on top of things.

Make your Resolutions Attainable
Don’t try to conquer Rome in a day. All goals must be realistic and achievable. Give yourself the best chance possible at achieving them. Don’t plan to run a Marathon by March. Aim to participate in a 10km walk or a fun run for charity. There are plenty of small events in Bangkok that you can choose from.

Make a Plan
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Just as a business is only as successful as its business plan, your lifestyle works on the same principles. Write down specific dates to achieve your goals.

Break it Down
If your goal is to lose say 5kgs, the write out step by step, just how you will achieve this. If you have tried to achieve this before, also write down the obstacles you experienced that prevented you from achieving them. Then set out to minimise them. If work is one reason why you can get to the gym, then go for a walk at lunch time or speak with your superiors or HR department to introduce workplace health and fitness initiatives.

DON’T DIET!!!
We all know diets don’t work. Changing your eating habits does not constitute dieting. Eat sensibly. Eat 4-5 smaller meals pre day. Include plenty of vegetables, protein and minimise carbohydrates. Do not eliminate them,

Reward Yourself
Reward yourself with gifts, holidays and weekends away, a spa package, massage or go shopping. Refrain from using food as a reward. You can also set yourself financial rewards. Set aside a certain amount of money each day or week for getting to the gym x times or eating your five planned meals for the day.

Keep a Journal
Write down everything you eat and what time you eat it. Record your exercise duration and if possible your total energy expenditure (calories). When things aren’t going to plan, you can look through your journal and make adjustments accordingly.

Get professional Assistance
Employ the services of a professional. Find a personal trainer or fitness coach who can devise the most appropriate exercise and nutrition program that you enjoy and can stick with. They will help you stay on track and help you work through the tough times.

Make sure your New Years Resolutions for 2006 are not on your list for 2007!

by Daniel Ramon