Now is the time for new year resolutions. Fitness is near the top of most resolution lists. It is the busiest time at most gyms, but a month later while those memberships keep being charged, the number of times we walk through those doors slowly dwindles. How many of us really attain our resolutions? How often are they a little too lofty, and we fall off track?
May I suggest ditching the full blown spontaneous “resolution” and instead choosing a smaller well-planned somethin’ somethin’ to keep you focused and motivated? Committing is key! You can commit to a small outdoor group that trains together, a spin class, a running group or yoga class. What makes you tick? If you are like me, find an event and sign up for it. Other ways to keep motivated are by committing to meet a friend consistently -no bailing-out allowed Sometimes just the measure of paying to be part of a fitness program or for a trainer can be all you need to keep you committed. The group and those precious pennies can keep you heading to session when it’s difficult getting out the door. Whatever you decide, make it SMART!
Yup you heard me, SMART! You’ve used this in your evaluations at work, and it can be applied to health goals too! Start by making your goal functional rather than numbers based. For the majority of us setting a functional goal is much healthier and more realistic.
SMART:Specific- Measurable-Attainable-Realistic-Timely. Try to make it functional AND specific with time constraints included! Instead of saying I will lose 10 lbs or 4 inches; set a goal that you will run 10km by July, or will bike consistently 3 times a week for 3 months. Maybe, you will be able to wear a jean-size smaller or do chin-ups by the summer; or you will drink 2 litres of water and run that hilly route without stopping. With SMART goals you will be able to measure your progress and stay focused.
Next MAKE A PLAN and schedule your must-do weekly fitness activities. Make you and your health one of your top priorities. Just as you wouldn’t reschedule an important meeting, keep that time for you.
Now write it all down! Make it your mantra. Let someone else in on your plan, post it on the fridge or screen saver to keep you on track. Try colouring in each day you meet that days goal. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss an occasional day- DO celebrate your daily achievements!
Finally, we need to take in to consideration what we are putting in our mouths! If you aren’t eating well then how km’s you run won’t be as relevant. Know yourself and eat well. Make these goals smart too!
SMART goals will help you get to where you want to be whether working towards a big “resolution”. It takes 30 days to create a habit, make fitness yours. Fitness is a lifestyle!
