By Angela Ciroalo ~
The annual Christmas feasts are over; we laughed, we ate, we drank – now we can’t button our pants. In an effort to stay active and healthy jump-start the winter months with some fitness tips.
Choose an activity
Whether it is walking, running, cycling, lifting weights, or Zumba – choose one activity to get you started.
Choose a location
Where will you practice this activity? Will you walk outside, run on a treadmill, lift weights as a gym, or join the community Zumba class?
Set SMART goals
Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals are most effective in achieving results. Rather than saying, “I will start walking on Monday.” Refine your goals by saying, “I will walk three days per week, at 7 am before work, for the next four weeks.”
Seek accountability
Whether it is through friends, family or co-workers; share your goal in an effort to hold yourself accountable to complete it.
Beat barriers
Before obstacles tear you down, list the barriers that may come up along the way. Once you have identified the potential obstacles, create solutions to overcome them. For example, if you wake up and notice it is raining, have a plan B for your morning walk. Or, if you are planning to exercise after work ensure your gym bag is packed and in the car for you to decrease your chances of skipping a workout.
Create an incentive
Once you have attained your goal have a reward in place. Your reward can be anything that it important to you. Whether it is a new pair of shoes, tickets to a show, or a slice of cake, the incentive will keep you motivated when you feel like giving up.
Set reminders
It is easy to lose sight of our goals during times of business or difficulty, therefore try leaving reminders on your fridge, bedroom mirror or your desk at work. These reminders will keep you focused and in control of achieving your goal.
Be Positive!
There may be times when you don’t follow through, the weather sets you off track, or a friend bails on a workout – don’t lose hope! Tomorrow is another day. Hit the “restart” button and jump back on the horse, you will achieve your goal!