Why New Year’s Fitness Resolution Goals Are Difficult

It is a new year, 2017 is here.  A popular resolution is to lose weight, get healthier, take it to another level, etc etc.  The New Year provides an opportunity to reset and start all over again.  The change in the calendar does not change the ingrained habits that leave many us unhappy.  How did you get there?  When did it start?  How can you get back on track or on track period?

Timothy Pychyl, a professor of psychology at Carleton University in Canada, says that resolutions are a form of "cultural procrastination," an effort to reinvent oneself. People make resolutions as a way of motivating themselves, he says. Pychyl argues that people aren't ready to change their habits, particularly bad habits, and that accounts for the high failure rate. Another reason, says Dr. Avya Sharma of the Canadian Obesity Network, is that people set unrealistic goals and expectations in their resolutions.

As a fitness professional it is discouraging to see the amount of quick fixes and products advertised as if there is a shortcut.  All of them are not bad, but feed on unrealistic expectations.  

Most people view lack of exercise as a motivational problem, therefore the issue needs to addressed is to create and facilitate that ‘missing’ motivation.  However, research has shown that it is not the lack of motivation that acts as a deterrent to exercise, but rather counter-motivations that prevent an individual from exercise participation (Richetin, Conner & Perugini, 2011).  “Life” gets in the way.  Many of us struggle with work/life/family balance.  In order to be better equipped to deal with stress and responsibility taking care of yourself should be on the top of your priority list.

I recently read an article “13 Things You Should Give Up If You Want To Be Successful”.  The first item on the list, “Give Up An Unhealthy Lifestyle”.  Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress.  You don’t have to train like a professional athlete to experience the benefit.

Our bodies were meant to move.  A healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. It can improve your appearance and delay the aging process.   If you desire to be healthier or more consistent with healthy habits I challenge you to list of your obstacles and then a solution to each of them.  Feel free to contact me for assistance.