Make It More Than A Resolution

The New Year is approaching and fitness centers and professionals will be busy as many people plan to start the New Year off improving their health.   From January to March there is a boom in the fitness business and then it begins to taper off. 

The fact that a resolution is made is a declaration to make positive changes.  "Studies show that people who resolve to change behaviors do much better than non-resolvers who have the same habits that need to be changed," says University of Scranton psychologist John Norcross.

Americans most often resolve to lose weight; quit smoking; get more exercise; and reduce their alcohol consumption, in that order, Norcross says.

Statistics show that, at the end of January, some 64% of resolvers are still hanging in there; six months later, that number drops to 44%, according to Norcross, author of Changing for Good.

Here are steps toward a New Year’s resolution for better health:

Have A Plan

The habits and behaviors that led to anyone’s displeasure with their health didn’t develop overnight.  Adopting a healthy lifestyle will require a commitment to making changes to your eating and exercise regiment.  Every meal and exercise session is part of the plan.

Meals must fuel your workouts and each meal and workout is for a purpose.  Your exercise regiment should combine cardio vascular/endurance exercises and strength training.  For example, plan which days you are performing cardio vascular exercises and strength training during the week.

There are many applications and wristbands on the market that assist with tracking food intake and calories burned that are reasonably priced.  These can assist with documenting your progress and accountability as your work toward your goals.

Stay Committed

Whatever your health and fitness goals are they will not be accomplished overnight.  Commitment and consistency throughout the process is essential to achieve your goals.  Do not resort to an extreme diet or program because you are impatient.

Quick weight loss is usually not permanent weight loss, experts say. Diets that have strict rules, eliminate or severely restrict certain foods, or otherwise take a lot of effort are usually only successful in the short term. 

Your daily meal plan should combine carbohydrates, proteins, fruits, and vegetables.  A meal plan can have variety with tasty foods and still be healthy.  Research healthy recipes if you need fresh ideas on healthy and tasty meals.

Trust The Process

I have mentioned this in previous blog posts and it is worth mentioning again.  You must trust the process.  Adjustments to your meal plan and exercise routines will be necessary, but stay true to the process of adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  What does this mean?

Experts define it as the ability to trust that your life is moving towards what you want despite outward appearances to the contrary.

It starts with making a decision that you desire something different from what you are experiencing.  If being healthier is something that you want, be mindful that it will take steps and being patient with yourself to get there and maintain.

The discipline of healthy eating and consistent exercises can be a stressful transition that takes you out of your comfort zone.  Constantly remind yourself of why you are making these changes, for yourself and no one else! 

As President Abraham Lincoln profoundly stated, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you cannot please all of the people all of the time.” 

Losing weight and exercising more are common New Year’s resolutions.  Document your activity and progress.  Encourage friends and family to take the journey with you.  Reward yourself when you reach certain milestones.   Do not go into the process blind.  Seek help if needed so your desire to be healthier will be planned and with purpose.  Your program should be individualized for your specific needs.  Have a plan, stay committed, and trust the process and your changes for a healthier lifestyle will be more than a resolution.

Jamaal Piper is  Health and Wellness Consultant and Certified Personal Trainer, www.piperpersonaltraining.com, piperpersonaltraining@gmail.com.