Tuesday, January 3, 2012

GET REAL: KEEP YOUR FITNESS RESOLUTIONS ATTAINABLE


Did you allow yourself to indulge more than usual this holiday? If so, you may be tempted to set lofty fitness resolutions because you want quick weight-loss results.

Keep Your Fitness Resolutions Within ReachWell, get real! Setting goals that are too lofty is not only bad for your health; it's also bad for your success rate. Life Fitness explains that you must first set realistic goals and focus your efforts on the reachable stepping stones.

Find the balance between lofty and realistic. Setting a goal to lose 20 pounds in two weeks is lofty; giving yourself two to three months to take off 20 pounds is more attainable. Aim for a two-pound weight loss per week, and try to think in only two-pound increments so you don't get overwhelmed.

Be proud of your progress for every two pounds you lose and you will steadily reach your goal!

Know who you are and how you work. Achieving your goals is often tied to self-awareness. If you haven't been working out at all, don't make a resolution to work out daily - be more realistic and aim for three times a week at first. Once you are routinely exercising three times a week, take it up to four.

It's all about setting yourself up for wins so you don't get defeated.

Small changes lead to big results. Set small goals that you build upon, one at a time. For example, this month aim to add strength training to your routine; next month try a new piece of fitness equipment; the following month try a new fitness class each week.

Before you know it, you will have multiple healthy habits and great options for staying motivated this New Year. Remember, keeping fit is a lifetime pursuit and doesn't have to be accomplished overnight.



This Fit Tip is provided by our partner, Life Fitness.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Build a New Year Wellness Routine

There’s no better time than the New Year to implement a personal wellness plan. For individuals, an investment in wellness can pay huge dividends like a healthier lifestyle, happier temperament and a more productive daily routine.
Follow these steps from Life Fitness to begin your own personal wellness journey in 2012!

1. Assess Your Needs

Take a minute to think about your lifestyle habits, and evaluate your daily routine to determine what may be doing you harm. Schedule an annual physical exam to gauge your current level of health. Then set fitness, diet and lifestyle goals to improve your current health.

2. Establish An Exercise Routine

If you never exercise, start small. Take the stairs instead of the elevator; wear a pedometer to track the number of steps you take every day; try mall-walking or walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes a day. Remember, every step counts!  

3. Set Concrete Goals

If you want to successfully achieve lifestyle changes, write down your goals and create a plan of action. Record your current health situation, specify goals in measurable terms and keep track of your progress. Items to track include blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight, body composition, eating habits, physical activity and stress-coping skills. 

4. Get Massages

Scheduling regular massage sessions does more than lower stress levels. Massages can boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, lessen depression and anxiety, and increase circulation. Getting massages might feel like a luxury, but that doesn’t make it any less therapeutic – consider it an investment in your health and wellness! 

5. Meditate On It

In our busy world, meditation is a great tool for temporarily escaping the madness. This ancient technique has helped many people gain mental clarity and overall balance. There are no rules to meditation – you can meditate for any amount of time, eyes open or closed, lights on or off. A main aspect of meditation is breathing and freeing the mind of judgmental thoughts.  

Start 2012 with a personal wellness plan and you’ll be on the road to a healthier, happier, more fulfilling lifestyle.


Fit Tips are provided by Life Fitness, the leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality exercise equipment for fitness facilities and homes worldwide.