It is that time of year again. The same cycle year after year when you enjoy the food and festivities of the Holidays, eat a little to much and spend even more. The more you spend, the more you eat.... At least that appears to be the way it goes for most.
The year comes to an end and the next phase is resolution mode. New Years Resolutions are made, with full intentions of "making it happen this year". So you get the gym membership or buy that piece of equipment and you are ready. Get a week or two into the New Year and now, you are no longer going to the gym or the equipment is a clothes rack. Has this ever happened to you? You are not alone, countless Americans go through this cycle every year.
How can you make it different this year? First of all, you have to really want to make the change. For some, it will happen, when the doctor tells you it is a necessity. For other's it is just a thought that is always in the back of your mind, "well maybe next year". It doesn't have to be this way.
If you do something consistently for 30 days, it will become a habit. The first step is to commit. If you stick with a program for 30 days, you will be more likely to complete it. As you begin to see results, the motivation grows. It is critical to choose a program you enjoy. For example, if you do not enjoy dancing, have no rythm and feel ackward trying to learn the moves, you will quit! It is frustrating and you do not enjoy it, of course you will not stick with it. But if you choose a program that is based on simple moves, without alot of changing in a routine you will gain confidence and enjoy what you are doing. I admit, Zumba and dance are not for me. I am not good at it and get frustrated with myself. A program that involves weights and simple moves works better for me. I have completed Insanity, Body Beast and Body Combat because these are programs I enjoy. You must choose the right program for your personality and fitness level.
A strong support system is the key to success. Overcoming obstacles is much easier when you have a cheering section. Friends and family are great, but sometimes you need unbiased support. It is easy to talk yourself out of something when you are doing it alone, but when you have committed and have an accountability group you are less likely to backslide into your old habits. When you are feeling negative, your group will shed a positive on the situation.
Fear of failure is another factor, but as long as you are trying you will not fail. Keep going and don't beat yourself up over a slip. Get back up and start over. Others in your group are going through the same thing. That is why support is so important. No it is not going to be easy, you will not get it perfect, but the point is to begin. As you continue with your program you will learn, and you will notice small improvements which by the time you are half way through your program will bring a great feeling of accomplishment. I remember when I first started Insanity. Oh my, what I was doing was not what they were doing but I kept at it. By week 3 I was jumping and stretching and kicking like a pro! I started Insanity not able to do a push-up. At the end of my 60 days, I was doing 50 with no problem. You can do it. Fear can only be overcome by facing it.
If you want 2013 to be your year, then email me at
coachtammyhicks@gmail.com. Let's look at your options and then you can decide. Reaching out is a step towards making a decision.
