Three ingredients for your 2015 fitness plan.

As I've siad in the last few Posts, and it will be no surprise, but the new year is already well underway and I am very much hoping that your commitment, determination and enthusiasm remains unwavering. Looking through the pages of 'ezinearticles' I came across this essential ingredients article setting out your simple three step plan for success in this all important first month. Stay firmly focused in January and you are likely to stay the course for the following eleven months . . . and beyond. Sourced at http://EzineArticles.com/8856878 and written by Anita Parker  - a trainer of fitness leaders (http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anita_Parker), this is worth a read.


Welcome to January, your opportunity for a fresh start at your fitness program. A New Years fitness resolution is wonderful when you succeed. Feelings of success lead to increased motivation for more sweat and determination. However, a New Years fitness resolution is not so great when you are unsuccessful. Feelings of failure create roadblocks to any future healthy lifestyle efforts.

With this in mind, make sure your New Years fitness resolution has these three key ingredients:

First, a realistic goal.
"I want to lose 20 pounds so I look good in a bikini," is not a wise goal statement. Short of using a scalpel, you have only indirect control over weight loss through diet and exercise. It is better to phrase your goals in such a way that you have direct influence. For example, "I'm going to exercise four times every week from now until the end of March," is a reasonable, direct goal statement. Also, forget the bikini part. Love your body regardless of where you're at on your weight loss journey.

Second, tools on hand.
"Mise en place" is a French phrase used in professional kitchens that means to get everything ready before you begin. It applies to your fitness program as well. You can't make your favorite recipe without ingredients. You can't exercise without a gym membership, home gym equipment, or at the very minimum a good pair of athletic shoes. Invest in your health and, ultimately, your longevity. It's worth every penny.

And finally, an action plan.
If you want to make something happen, (a) write it on your calendar and (b) tell others about your plan. This creates time and accountability to keep you on track. Allotting time on your calendar eliminates the 'I don't have time' excuse. Putting a voice behind your goals takes your fitness resolution out of your thoughts and on its way to reality. Too much thinking often wastes valuable time and diverts you away from your original plan. Astanga Yoga founder K. Pattabhi Jois is quoted saying, "Yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory." In other words, too much time spent talking, thinking and reading about yoga is futile. The same applies with your fitness resolution - stop thinking and just get moving.

A 30-day fitness challenge is a great way to kick-start your New Years fitness resolution. It's simple - you commit to exercising every day for an entire month, no matter what. Some days within the month you will find yourself completing a workout simply for the sake of completing the challenge. However, by the end of the month and successful completion of the challenge, regular physical activity will officially be a habit.

WhyWeight - don't hesitate, participate, before it's too late!

-Steve, at WhyWeight-