Resolutions!
It’s the time of year that we all plan to make a fresh start. Many of
us chose to make health, fitness and nutrition a priority. New Year, new
you! I know we are already a few days into January but I would like to
offer a five tips that will hopefully make the start more manageable and
help you to maintain your determination to make this year better than
last! First. Don’t panic. Everything takes time. Saying you
want to lose 3 stones by the end of the month is not realistic! Make
small, specific targets and give them a time limit. Setting an
achievable goal will give you a better chance of reaching your target;
this will in turn keep you motivated and you will continue to see
results. Second. Plan your meals. A weekly meal plan will not
only help you save money and time when food shopping but it will reduce
the need for convenience food. Choose protein based meals that will
keep you feeling fuller longer and take a small snack with you to work.
Allow yourself food. Do not cut out meals or reduces portions back too
much. If you are combining a restricted diet with an increased exercise
plan you will not only feel hungry but lack energy to stick to the plan! Third. Schedule training.
Write into your diary, log into your iphone or type into your google
planner however you want to do it; just write it down. This will make it
feel more like a commitment to yourself and it is there in black and
white for you to read and remind yourself. Try not to be over ambitious
at the beginning. Two days are enough to start with as you can always
build on this. Starting with 6 days a week will not just leave you
feeling tired but achy. If you are feeling achy you are not likely to
train, which won’t get you the results you desire. Four. Plan sessions.
You have your two or three sessions in your organiser, now all you need
to do it think about what you will do when you get there. Having a plan
in your mind before you get to the gym will help you achieve more.
Sitting on a bike cycling steadily for 20 minutes and then going in the
Jacuzzi for 10 minutes (as nice as it may be) is not a 30 minute gym
session and will not get rid of the Christmas turkey. The gym is likely
to be busy at this time of year so standing by the water machine
wondering what to do next will also not help you lose weight! You need
to be effective with the time in the gym if you want to see results.
There are free session plans on the notice board to give you a starting
point. Please ask if would like to be shown how to use any equipment. And finally Five. Build in rest days.
Rest is just as important as the training you do. Read a book, watch a
film, have a massage. Reward your efforts with something you enjoy.
Allow your mind and body to rest from planning meals and training.
Please try not to reward yourself with food! |