Well, its now April and many of our New Years Resolutions have come and gone.  One of the most commonly made New Year’s resolutions centers around exercise and/or dietary changes.  Unfortunately this is also one of the most broken resolutions, but this year could be different.  By following some of these guidelines when making your Health and Fitness goals - this could be the year that you get back on track and are successful.

1.  Write down your goals.

Seeing your goals on paper will help you have a clear vision of what you are trying to accomplish and will help you attain them.

2.   Don’t set too many goals at one time.  You can achieve them all, just maybe not all at once.

Often times when trying to make health behavior changes, people pick every aspect of their unhealthy lifestyle to change all at one time.  Usually this overwhelms people to the point that they don’t accomplish any of the changes.  Start with one at a time.  For example, if weight loss is your goal, start by addressing exercise or nutrition.  After you have gotten into a routine with one change, then address the other.  You will be more successful if you concentrate on one change at a time. 

3. Be realistic with your goals.

By setting goals that are attainable, you will be happy with your success and more likely to continue with your program.  If you are out of shape, chance is you did not get that way overnight and should not expect to get back into shape in a day or a week.  . 

4.  Keep a journal of exercise or nutritional intake.

Writing down when you exercise or what you eat will help you have a better idea of how you are sticking to your program.  It will also help you know your schedule so you can plan for future workouts or plan your meals.

5. Get a friend to workout with.

Have a friend or family member that you can exercise with can help you stick to your routine.  Try and find someone who is equally as motivated so that you encourage each other to exercise even at time when you may not want to.  This plan can backfire if your buddy decided to stop exercising.  That is why even if you start a program with someone, it is important to keep your own focus and not to rely completely on your buddy to keep you motivated.

6. Schedule your workouts.  You will be more successful if your plan in advance when you are going to exercise.  If you your plan is to exercise 3x a week, then pick the days and times that work best for you and write them into your calendar.  If you plan to workout “sometime” on Monday or Tuesday, the time is more likely to get away from you and you may not get it in.  Try and stick to your schedule as much as possible.

7.  Don’t let set backs ruin your program.  Chances are things will come up that alter your plan. If your missed your workout on Monday, refocus and get back to it on your next scheduled exercise day. 

8.  Share your plan with others.  Telling those around you about your plan to live a healthier life will build a support system and can help you stick to your goals. 

9.  Reward yourself for your success. (Preferably not with food). Just make sure the reward is suitable for the behavior change.  If you are trying to lose weight, having an ice cream sundae as a reward is probably not appropriate.  However, scheduling a massage or manicure or scheduling an evening out with a friend may be a great way to keep you motivated. 

10.  Hire a personal trainer.  Working with personal trainer can help you learn what program will help you meet your goals, and help you stick to a schedule and have someone to be accountable to.  At Camargo Personal fitness, we work with you to plan a program that meets your needs.  Working with a trainer means different things to different people.  Some need the structure of a trainer with every workout to meet their goals.  Others may only meet with their trainer 1x time a week and then they workout on their own the other times.  We would be happy to talk with you to see how we can help you keep your health and fitness goals.

For more information about the personal training, dietitian services or Women’s Boot Camp at Camargo Personal Fitness, call Lauren Altemuehle at 561-4800 ext. 1.  Let one of their educated and certified trainers help you get back on track and still meet your goals.