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Resolve
to be healthy
 "THIS
New Year, I resolve to lose weight, start exercising, eat
healthy, etc..."
It is undeniable that fitness always ranks among the top 5
New Year resolutions. Be it to lose weight or to start a healthy
new life, a lot of people always strive to do something related
to fitness or health every New Year. For us Filipinos who
are too used to the manana habit, the coming of the New Year
is that perfect tomorrow when we can finally do the many things
that we have put aside in the years gone by. Besides, after
all that gorging and hate-love affair with cakes, lechon,
beer, and other high-calorie foods last Christmas, a really
good workout is apparently going to be in big demand.
However, getting back into form and shape takes a lot more
than just empty promises. It is already a common occurrence
for many gyms and fitness centers to be jam-packed with patrons
in January and lose its crowd around February and March. No,
this doesn't mean that their regimen is as super effective
as those supposedly "miracle" insta-slim tonics
being sold on television.
Many people lose track of their goals after only a few short
weeks in an exercise program. Without a goal, they inevitably
lose interest and begin skipping a session in more than one
instance, before totally disappearing from the gym and centers.
These people eventually turn out to be the same people who
promised last year to be faithful to their resolutions and
would probably end up doing so again next year.
Hereunder are 3 helpful tips that would help you keep the
treadmill going and the calories burning.
1. Plan Ahead.
Every good soldier knows that knowing the enemy is winning
half the battle. In your crusade to become a better and healthier
person, you must learn how to face your enemy and overcome
them. Whether you just want to be able to wear your old pants
or to sculpt your muscles, planning ahead will save you time
and effort. Jot down the things that kept you from exercising
last year. If you want to take up health walking, you may
set up a schedule for it. Find out what time of the day you're
available to do so. Look for a good pair of shoes. Find the
best route. In short, do your homework.
2. Be Realistic.
The reason why a lot of people give up on their resolutions
to be healthy is because they have set up standards on themselves
that are too high to attain. If you have gained 40 pounds
last Christmas, don't expect to lose it all in just two weeks.
Some people go to the gym with hopes to lose the extra inches
around their belt line in just a few pushups. Everyone should
bear in mind that losing weight and toning muscles is a slow
process. Everyone should accept that fact and plan accordingly.
Don't be discouraged if you lose only 5 pounds a month. If
you add it up, that's 60 pounds trimmed down by year's end.
Not a bad number especially if you'd give anything to lose
that much last year.
3. Maintain Discipline.
There is probably nothing more worse in a dieter's life than
to lose all control and start overeating again. In attaining
a healthy and fit figure, maintaining discipline is of utmost
importance. Maintaining discipline doesn't mean that you should
avoid your favorites altogether and starve yourself. Rather,
it means that you should learn to build up a certain level
of self-control. Learn to decide on your own how much is enough.
It is also vital if you are on an exercise program to stick
to your schedule and make up for the missed sessions. *
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