So it's February, and your New Year's Resolutions seem like they were made a century ago. Life happened, and it happens to the best of us. This is why creating FitSytle, (Fitness + Lifestyle) is so important and why fad diets and temporary workout schemes almost never work to get weight off and keep it off. Fitness and living healthy has to be a part of your lifestyle, the way you live your life on a daily basis. This is the only way for long term success. This doesn't meant you can indulge from time to time, but your every day behavior should incorporate eating healthy, real food and exercise, plus plenty of water. Don't give up! Find a way to regroup and stage your comeback! Here are some tips to help your stage your comeback and get on track to your goals!
Comeback Tip#1: Be realistic about your starting point. Assess your current state of fitness, such as weight, measurements and body fat %, pick out some standard health tests, i.e. Step test or 12 min walk/run, and see where you rank. Not knowing where you are starting makes it difficult to plan where you are going and how you are going to get there.
Comeback Tip#2: Be realistic about your goals. Scientifically, a 1-2lb weight loss is a healthy goal to strive for. That means 2lbs a week, so if your goal is to shed 10lbs by Valentines' Day, it just isn't realistic. You could do it, but the risks vs. benefits are hardly worth it. Shoot for long term success and weight loss that will last and set your goals accordingly.
Comeback Tip#3: Prepare and set your self up for success. A busy schedule is only a set back or limitation if you let it be. If you know the upcoming week is going to be hectic, prepare for it. Get meals made or planned out ahead of time, make sure you are stocked up with healthy groceries. Sunday at my house is food prep day. We portion and baggie up all the snacks we may need for the week, so packing lunch each day is a breeze. Plan your workouts for the week. Get out a calendar and plot out all of your commitments, including shower and prep time, commute time, appointments etc. Next plug in your workouts. Having a plan will ensure that you are set up for success.
Comeback Tip #4: Assemble your team. We all need support from others. For your fitness goals, your team could include your family, partner or spouse, your trainer, workout buddy or co-workers. You doctor, chiropractor or other health care provider and any other source of support, motivation and encouragement, i.e. website, book, magazine, fitness goal or event. This is your success team, your dream team. Make sure all are in alignment with your mission and your goal. Your team can be a tremendous resource for you so learn to count on them when you need some extra help!
Comeback Tip#5: Stay connected. Begin to write in a journal and jot down ideas, thoughts, feelings, hi points and low points. Use this to record your journey and watch how keeping track of this can help you for the long haul. Losing weight, or training for an event may be a goal to accomplish, but living FitSyle is a lifelong way of being. Staying connected to yourself, your goals and your mission is essential in making it a reality.
