Old Year Resolutions!

We hear so often about ‘New Years Resolutions’, but how often do you hear people discussing how their resolutions turned out from last year? – Hardly ever!

That’s because only about 10% of people who set resolutions actually stick to them throughout the year. Of the 90% that give up, the majority have quit by February 1!

The top 3 resolutions for Americans are 1) Lose weight 2) Get fit or 3) Quit Smoking. No matter your resolution, there are several ways to prepare for it BEFORE January 1.

Never give up on your resolution a month before you start it! Now is the time to prepare. If your plan is to lose 30 pounds and get healthy starting Jan 1 – you’re already in the wrong mindset.

Make a conscious effort to start eating right and training immediately. If you are used to at least a little disciple now, your resolution will be that much easier to stick to once you go ‘all in’ on Jan 1.

Schedule calorie burning time throughout the Christmas Season. Park further away from your shopping destination. Take the stairs instead of the escalator. Burning extra calories is great in a gym and perhaps the most effective option, but it’s NOT the only option.

’Small and frequent’ is an important rule of thumb – especially for proper eating and exercise during the Holidays. Any amount of aerobic activity increases metabolism while exercising, but moderate to intense exercise can keep your metabolism elevated for 2 to 10 hours after you've finished your walking, biking, or swimming session.

In addition, any muscle you’ve built before or during the Christmas Season can also help you burn off those inevitable extra calories. Those who are already involved in a solid fitness and weight training regimen will stave off the Holiday pounds most effectively.

To get your body out of ‘starvation mode’, start eating frequent, small, healthy meals. Social conventions have led us to believe that 3 large meals a day are sufficient to maintain a health body – and most don’t even hit that mark. Often, we tend to miss a meal or two throughout the day and think nothing of it. If this sounds like you – your body thinks it’s starving! To increase and maintain a higher metabolism, take time for eating – snacks aren’t necessarily a bad thing if they’re small portions and healthy.

Welcome to the end of ‘Resolutions’. This time next year you should be well in the groove of better fitness. Take advantage of any time off from work – start your fitness regimen today, and be ready to commit ‘all out’ on January 1. Your body will love you for it!