Happy New Year!  If you are like most, the turn of the New Year means making resolutions – promises about making healthier choices usually tops the list.  Unfortunately a high percentage of these promises are broken throughout the year.  The resolutions we make are usually very challenging to stick with for a number of reasons.  But if you are dedicated to making 2010 a year of health and fitness…here are a few ways to help make your “fitness resolution” stick with you all year long: 

1.  1.  Be reasonable.  If you haven’t exercised in several months, do not initially force yourself to exercise every day!  You will burn out…both physically and mentally!  Instead, commit yourself to exercising 2-3 times per week initially and gradually increase your frequency.  So many people overload themselves when they first start an exercise program because they are excited about their new goals and want to see results immediately.  They do too much too soon and eventually lose track of their original goals altogether.  Be reasonable with yourself and the goals you set.  Exercise is a lifelong journey, so take your time and enjoy the views along the way. 

2.  No pain, no gain…no results!  Overly ambitious individuals will just end up doing more harm than good.  By pushing yourself too hard, too fast…you will end up with aches, pains, and injuries.  If these physical ailments are not enough to derail someone from their goals, the mental anguish of setbacks probably is.  Avoid pushing yourself too hard initially.  Instead, create an exercise program that you know you can be consistent with; before you know it you’ll see the results you were looking for.  Seek some advice from fitness professionals to help you design an exercise program that creates consistency.  Consistency is a key to fitness success.

3.  Write down your goals and then tell everyone you know!  Set realistic long and short-term goals that pertain to your exercise program and your health goals (weight loss, toning, flexibility, increased health status, etc).  Goal setting is absolutely necessary – without defined goals, there is no way to assess progress and success.  Once you have defined your goals, write them down and keep them in a place that is visible to you every day to serve as a constant reminder.  Then, after you have written down all of your goals, tell everyone you know.  Sharing your goals and aspirations will create even more accountability and you will be less likely to let yourself and others down.

“Win in 2010” by sticking with your fitness goals and resolutions all year long!  Setting realistic goals and sharing your plan with others is a great way to start the New Year.  Stay focused and committed all year long and remember that we only have one chance to create the healthy body that we deserve!