Getting Fit for the New Year

Everyone goes into the new year with great intentions to get healthy.  However, most fall short by the beginning of February.  We have to change that pattern.  Here are a few tips to help get and stay fit.

Don't set a start date.  Start Now!

Once a date is set to start getting fit and changing your diet, the goal is put on a pedestal.  This is not necessarily a bad thing since goals are meant to be tough and put up high, but set an end date and start today.  You hear it all the time.  I am going to start working out on Monday.  I will go to the gym tomorrow.  I will finish all of the food I have left and go grocery shopping for healthy food on Sunday.

Don't do it!

Start right now!

Once you get the ball rolling and not make it an event, it will easily become a part of your daily schedule.  Slowly, but surely, it will become a habit.  Working out and dieting correctly becomes second nature, making it more enjoyable and pleasurable. 

Set a goal with an end date.

Whether you plan to compete in a race or trying to lose 10 pounds, set a date to reach your goal.  When you set a date, plan your attack.  Start mapping out weekly meals and workouts.   The calender becomes your best friend because it prepares you for other events or occurrences life throws out you.  And the best part about it, you will be prepared.  We all like to stick to our original plans but things change, so when items are mapped out, you are giving yourself a chance to adapt and change sensibly.  The best way to relieve stress in fitness is preparation.  The more you document, the more you will be excited about your progress.  You look forward to your next workout and seeing how much stronger you're getting.

Don't forget, strength is mental, physical and spiritual.  Dwell in these moments of good fortune.  Fortune you have created.  It's an addicting and unbelievable power.

No Excuses.

The excuse I can't stand the most is "I don't have time to workout".  That statement is overflowing with negativity and weakness.  One, if this holds true, then being healthy is not that important to you because if it was, anyone would make time for it.  Don't sell yourself short. 

Now, I am not saying that time isn't limited for families with children, full time jobs, and extracurricular activities but there are so many mediums to workout with it's unfathomable we are in the midst of an obesity epidemic. 

Let's go over the options:

Workout Facilities:  We are in a gym boom.  They are every where with more coming.  All of them are competing to get you into the door.  Some gyms cost $10 a month with no initiation fee.  Remember when $500 a month and a $200 sign up fee was a common gym membership program?  No more!  They now offer trainers in sign up packages.  Plus, the trainers work around your schedule.  So get out there without the worry it costing you an arm and a leg.

On Demand:  We all use our DVR to record "The Voice" & "Duck Dynasty" or go to On Demand to rent "Zero Dark Thirty" but have you checked out the sports and fitness section recently.  It's incredible.  From 10 minute workout videos to instructional yoga, there are tons of exercise films at your disposal with no charge.  This is all included with a basic cable bundle.  I have personally used this and it's legit.  A lot of hard workouts in a small period of time.

Internet:  www.active.com is littered with great workout ideas you can do in your room, basement, or work office (I may or may not have done workouts in any or all of these places).

Amino Vital is wonderful with youtube.  They have one of the best exercise channels on the web.  Check out one of their Strength and Endurance Workout Videos:

Here are a few other forums at your disposal: running, biking, Insanity, T-25, P-90X, Home exercise equipment, and personal gyms. 

The options are abundant.  Take advatnage of your resources!

There are plenty of other reasons for you to stay in shape but it all comes down to one thing.  Do you really want this?  And if the answer is yes, stick with it.  Everyone goes through ups and downs.  Gaining weight is going to happen from time to time when you are trying to losing weight.  Feeling weak and fatigued is apart of getting in shape.  Don't get discouraged.  Get plenty of rest.  Eat well. Drink lots of water and most importantly stay positive.  Stay motivated.  Brag to your friends.  Inspire others.  The fountain of youth is plentiful and rich (When I say the fountain of youth, I am referring to Amino Vital's Endurance Orange Electrolyte drink).  Take a gulp and enjoy yourself.

Now get out there and change your life for the better!

Stay Tuned