So here comes 2012 and maybe once again you are determined to get in shape once and for all. After the blow out of Christmas and New Year, excess eating and drinking you are full of will power and determination to get in the best shape of your life. This way of thinking is as much of a tradition as is Christmas and New Year itself and continues from generation to generation for many people.
The idea to ‘switch off’ probably started to kick in around November when the shops put up their decorations and start selling festive goodies. Christmas parties start around this time as everywhere gets booked up early and once you have had once mince pie that’s it, you continue until you have had so many in January the thought of another makes you feel ill. No time for exercise Late night shopping and cold weather entice you away from the gym to the more exciting surroundings of Christmas lights and music and special offers.
Gyms and fitness classes are down on numbers but not to worry as New Year is coming and they can always rely on the boom of sales and memberships. It is predictable.
The consequences?
So you have had some great nights out, fabulous parties and no doubt it is showing around your waistline. You have eaten and drank what you wanted for weeks now and enough is enough. Perhaps you didn’t feel comfortable in your party outfits and yet again have vowed next year will be different. So what is your New Year Resolution? Are you going to repeat cycle again? Before you begin the process again take some time to think differently.
Before you join the GYM start new CLASSES, take up a new activity or start a new DIET, have a quick think back to last January.
Are you about to do what you do every year? Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. – Albert Einstein
Do you join a gym or class and go at every available opportunity for the first few weeks and then real life gets in the way? Do you try that new diet that restricts you calories and becomes impossible to sustain so you end up back at square one none the wiser? Here are my top ten tips for having a successful year and being healthier and in the best shape of your life by Christmas 2012.
Pace yourself – a regular session once a week EVERY week is more realistic to sustain. You can add more sessions when you develop a routine or if you find yourself with some free time. With busy lives and family commitments there may be little time left for YOU. Consistency is key to getting results so make an appointment for your exercise. Put it in your diary as you would any other appointment. Exercising should be high on your list along with dental checks and hair appointments! Set a goal – be clear about WHY you are exercising. General terms such as ‘lose a bit of weight’ or ‘get some definition’ are easily forgotten. Be certain why you are going to invest time and money and decide exactly what you want. Do not limit your beliefs as to what you can achieve. Visualise – now you know what you want to achieve, see it in your mind. Visualise yourself in that wedding dress or on the beach as you would love others to see you!
Do something different – If you are always looking for the same result every time you start a new fitness regime it doesn’t make sense to take the same approach every time. After all it didn’t work for you last time did it? Do something you can’t do – to make real changes that you never thought possible you are going to have to work for it. It is when you challenge your body it is forced to change, so it doesn’t make sense that if you are on your feet all day a brisk walk is going to get big results. Get expert advice – enlist the help of a fitness expert. Choose someone with a track record of helping clients get results. Ask to see proof and testimonials and question them on their level of knowledge and experience. Check they have insurance and look for passion in their eyes as they tell you how they can help with your goals.
Don’t give up – Ok life got in the way and you skipped your sessions for a few weeks. Revisit your goals and visualise your results.
The hardest part is finding the motivation to exercise again so just simply GO! Being back in the environment with like minded people may be enough to spur you on. Eat well – you cannot exercise and eat what you want. Food is fuel for your body and what you eat will determine how well you can exercise. Make sure you eat enough calories from fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Keep your foods as natural as possible and drink lots of mineral water. Rest and Recovery – When you exercise your body the results come from the rest phase following the exertion. The harder you work the longer your muscles will take to recover. Expect some muscle soreness as your body adapts to the new exercise regime.
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