It's upon us already isn't it?! I'm talking about that pre-Christmas/New Year period where our social calendars are filled with office parties and team night outs. There'll be so much food and drink on offer that it's very hard not to go a little OTT.
And why wouldn't you? You've worked hard and you deserve it. However, come January you may be feeling the affects of a little over-indulgence and that happens to the best of us.
Will you know exactly what to do when you head back to the gym? Perhaps you'll go back to your usual routine which has gotten a little boring. I mean, who wants to go through the motions?
It's important not to start your Health Kick without clear focus on your goal and how you will achieve that goal, as that can quickly lead to demotivation through a lack of obvious results.
Here are 5 things you should know to help get the most out of your New Year Health Kick:
What Is Your Emotional Driving Force?
Work out precisely what is driving you to achieve your goal. For example, " I've put on so much weight. I'm embarrassed to wear my new top!" or "My stomach is really bloated and it's really become annoying and uncomfortable." Tap into these emotions and use them to drive you forward.
Have A Specific Goal.
"I want to lose weight", "I want to get stronger", "I want to be fitter" are not specific goals.
Try....
- "I weigh 7 kgs lighter on March 31st 2008" or
- "I can squat maximum 50 kilos heavier on February 10th 2008" or
- "I run 3 miles in 22 minutes on February 22nd 2008"
Have A Specific Programme
Do you have a programme that will keep you on track to achieve your specific goal? I'm talking about an integrated weekly planner that matches the tasks you need to complete in order to reach certain milestones. This is a great motivational tool
Gym, Home or The Great Outdoors?
Why go to the gym if you can't stand the place? Do you have a programme that reflects where you exercise? For example, if you want to exercise at home but your programmes require all sorts of machines that you don't have what are the alternative exercises you could do at home? It's worth investigating before you start.
Have Realistic Expectations
Goals are important but unrealistic goals can quickly lead to you losing your confidence and motivation when results don't show as quickly as you would like. Your body is a complex system and you are far likely to succeed if you take the long term view.
January is traditional for new year resolutions to quash guilty feelings of over-indulgence. My five tips will give your chances of getting back to feeling and looking your best a big boost.
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