We’ve passed that time of New Year, where we make new year resolutions, but most of us never end up keeping up with them.
You know the ones…I’ve made them myself.
- Lose weight.
- Tone up.
- Get fit.
- Eat healthy.
Now look at them again. They’re all aims, or things I’d like to achieve, but there’s nothing in there about how to achieve them. A better list for me might look like this.
- Lose 10bs Fat by May.
- Track daily food and activities using My Fitness Pal. Log all meals.
- Meal plan on Sundays to ensure buying healthy foods when shopping.
- Run 5k, 3x week.
- 30 minute Kettlebell workout, 2 days week.
There were no actual goals in the original list. Having a way to measure what we do, as we progress is a great way to go. Using a tracking app, and ensuring you log daily, both exercise and food, is a free option, and it’s difficult to argue with what you write, when you see it on your screen in black and white.
For someone who wants to run, a goal might be to start a programme similar to C25K, or Couch to 5k, which is an 8-10 week programme, depending on how you sign up, either by app, or on the website and download the podcasts to follow while you run. By the end of those 8 weeks, the goal would be to run for 30 minutes non stop. And as difficult that is to achieve when you start, it’s a huge achievement to get to the end, even if you have to repeat weeks.
Losing weight and getting fit isn’t a fad. It has to be a long term lifestyle, and one that’s able to fit into your daily life.
Reasons to Exercise
- Endorphins make you feel good.
- It will fit your budget. Whether you join a gym, get a personal trainer, or work out at home, there are options for everyone.
- Your cardiovascular health improves with sensible regular exercise.
- Get out and explore your surroundings. Meet new people, or go it alone. Whichever personality type you are, there is a perfect exercise plan for you. If you’re pushed for anything else, get out there and walk. It’ll do you good.
- Self-esteem. Think of that feel good moment when you finish a long run, or complete a race, or lift a new weight, or do a few more burpees. Just finishing is more than good enough when we start out.
