NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

By David MaretHouse - Master fitness trainer, owner of MaretHouse Fitness, and co-owner of JD Max Fitness

It’s the start of a new year.  A new year filled with dreams, journeys, demands and stresses.  Most people start up the new year with a resolution to improve some aspect of their life.  The resolution may be anything from wanting to be more frugal with money to spending more time with family; however, many people’s new year’s resolution tends to be to lose weight and get in shape.  

I’ve worked in many fitness facilities for the past 13 years and have had an inside look at the trends within the fitness industry.  The biggest and most noticeable trend is the enormous influx of fitness facility memberships directly after the holidays reflecting the large amount of fitness oriented new year’s resolutions.  Unfortunately, after about 6 weeks many of these resolutioners lose motivation, rather than weight, and start to drop off the radar.  This happens, without fail, year after year, but you don’t have to be one of those statistics.  Here are six common mistakes to avoid while trying to achieve your New Year Fitness Resolutions to ensure your success.    

1) Setting unrealistic goals.  Many people find themselves setting unrealistic weight loss or fitness goals and set themselves up for failure.  Don’t just say you want to lose 100lbs and your going to do so by joining a gym.  You must be specific with your goals and how you are going to achieve them.  Losing 3 lbs a week by watching your nutritional intake while following an exercise routine to help reach your weight loss goal within 8.5 months in much more realistic and practical goal.  Get specific with your goals by giving yourself a plan of action and a realistic timeline and stick to it.  

2) Resolutions are not seen everyday.  We are forgetful creatures and without being reminded of our goals and aspirations frequently we can easily forget and lose track.  Try to put your resolutions in places where you will be reminded of them and of their importance to you.  Write a list of why you want to be healthier.  Maybe it’s so you can keep up with your children or maybe you would like to discontinue taking certain medications.  What ever your reasons may be, list them on paper and place that list in places you will commonly see them such as your bathroom mirror.  Try to constantly remind yourself why you are motivated to obtain a healthier life.    

3) Not reviewing your resolution periodically.  Just as any task, you must check your progress to see how your strategy is working.  If you find you are not on track with your ultimate goal you must reassess the situation, re-calibrate and come up with a new plan and possibly modify the goal.  If you don’t review your progress on a regular basis (e.g. monthly) you may find yourself way off track midway through and lose all motivation to continue perusing your resolution.  

4) Not keeping a fitness journal.  Studies have found that individuals who log food and fitness journals are more likely to succeed with their fitness goals.  Take a 5”x7” notebook and simply log your food intake and exercise routine day by day.  You will be amazed to find how much a fitness journal helps you obtain the results you desire.              

5) Keeping your resolutions to yourself.  Make yourself publicly accountable for your results.  Tell your family and friends of your resolution.  Success will come much easier with the support of your family and friends.      

6) Not acquiring the right information and tools.  To succeed at anything you must have the right knowledge and tools.  If you want to effectively improve your health and well-being you must have the correct information concerning nutrition and exercise.  Research what exercise and nutrition program would best suit you for your goals.  If you don’t understand how to develop a program, higher a fitness trainer and/or a registered dietitian to help you grasp an understanding of fitness and nutrition and their vital role in having a healthy life.  You will never reach your destination by driving blind.    

Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure a successful new years resolution.  Make a plan, stay committed and remember why you made the resolution.  You will succeed!  The journey to change is not easy; however, the journey is exhilarating and the results extraordinary.  I wish you well on your journey to change.