It is time to decide on your New Year's Resolutions. The new year, the new you. Why do so many people fail to keep their New Year's Resolutions? Because they flip a switch and try to go from inactivity to becoming an athlete, resulting in injury, stress and despair. Keep in mind a New Year's Resolution is a goal for the year and not just for the month of January.
You can't go from zero physical activity other than daily living to working out five or six days a week. Your body will rebel and chances are you will abandon the program. You need at least two weeks to get used to more activity. Most people need to make minor adjustments to their diets and not be overzealous in making changes. For example, don't go from skipping fruits and vegetables to cutting out meat and potatoes completely and substituting a salad at every meal.
This year, resolve to join a program that understands change, especially in the areas of physical activity and proper food choices. Specifically, resolve to listen to experts, change gradually so it will stick, avoid drastic measures, make a plan, have a coach, find a group and choose an event to prepare for. Search for plans that promote healthy, gradual change. These are the plans that stick. These are the plans that work.
This is a great time to get focused on your body and your routine. It is the one time of the year where others will share your commitment. Most, if not all, will be starting anew, just as you are.
It is so important to socialize this effort. Whether you decide to focus on walking first or eating better foods, do it with others. Start a walk group at work. You can also start a lunch group that eats together once a week and make sure the lunch is healthy. Be sure to lunch once a week for a month, then twice a week in the next month and so on. Program your success.
This is the perfect time of year to get moving. The
weather is cooler and lots of friends may also be motivated,
etc. Simply start small and let your body adjust. Avoid
strenuous exercise, avoid twisting of joints, and don't jump
into demanding sporting activities just for fun. Keep your
goals simple, keep your progress steady and let it grow into
your healthy and active new life.