Weight Loss, Diet and Fitness Program

Have you ever started a fitness program, then given it up? Thousands upon thousands of people across the country have done just that. Unrealized fitness resolutions and goals cause frustration, regret and discouragement for many who really do want a healthier, fit lifestyle.

“There’s nothing wrong with resolving to get fit, but so many resolutions fail because they approach fitness in the wrong way,” says Jeff Fliehs, director, Life ‘ Time Fitness personal training. The good news is that you don’t have to wait until New Year’s Day to go on a self-improvement program; as Fliehs says, “Any time is a good time to get started on a fitness program.”

Fliehs shares Life Time Fitness tips for rescuing your fitness resolve:

1. RELAX.
Remember that fitness is a continuous pursuit. You have the rest your life to improve it-not just before the holidays begin. The goal is to improve a little bit every day, not to go from couch potato to triathlete in three weeks! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or you’ll set yourself up for frustration and failure.

2. RESEARCH.
Give some forethought to your fitness approach. Many fling themselves into running or working with equipment without thinking if they really like it. Find something you like to do, because you’re much more likely to stick with it if you do. And collect information about your body-things like weight, pulse rate, body fat content-before you start.

3. REACH SHORT-TERM GOALS.
Know where you’re at to begin with, o you can decide where you want to ‘ go. List some achievable, measurable targets by which to track your, progress. A personal trainer is great for helping you determine what these goals should be. Remember that a complete fitness program should: incorporate fitness, nutrition and edu- ‘ cation for optimum results.

4. REALITY CHECK.
Many fitness resolutions are too aggressive, or even impossible! Be realistic. If you’ve been sedentary for years, a walk around the block may equal success! Good fitness is gradual, measured improvement. No , matter what the television says, you’re not going to have perfect abs or the body you had 20 years ago in 10 minutes a day. If you think you will, you’re bound to fail.

5. REVIEW.
Know that you’ll have to make adjustments and course corrections ‘ along the way. Track your progress and listen to your body. If something doesn’t ; feel right, don’t force it. If you start running and it bores you to tears, try something else Try mixing activities to keep the interest level high.

Resolving to be fit is important, but it’s also important to have a reasonable to have good information about how to succeed and to make sure that you goals are achievable and reasonable. With this approach, short-term setbacks won’t cause long-term failure. It’s never too late to start again and start right.