—ON THE MOVE FITNESS—
by Deb Brown, NSCA CPT, CWC, CNS
As we head toward the New Year, many people start to think about changing or improving their lives. January 1st starts a clean slate for us all and it is a great time for introspection and motivation.
How do you want to be different in the coming year? What would you like to improve about your life? We routinely work with clients who are wanting to transition into a healthier lifestyle. They express that they want to eat healthier, feel stronger and look better.
An important point that we tell them to consider is that they must prepare to change. It is difficult under the best of circumstances to change one’s habits. But one thing that will give you a shot at being successful is to prepare. How do you do this?
First, it helps to define where you are today and where, exactly, is it that you want to go? Define the gap between here and there. Writing it down will help to articulate the specifics and to get things clear in your head. Define your motivators for wanting to achieve this change. It also helps to document the challenges you may have in your way.
As you list the challenges, also list several strategies to overcoming these challenges. If you get stumped, ask family and friends for help. Second, create specific steps that you are ready to do to start the process of change. Think small changes and baby steps.
Visualize yourself doing the actions it will take to get you to your goal. Also, visualize what it will look like when you have achieved success. Third, measure your progress and adapt to changing life situations as you go. And don’t forget to reward yourself as you obtain your goals!
One of the most important areas in your plan should be to define your support system. This is your group of family, friends and knowledgeable professionals who have a clear understanding of what you are trying to accomplish and want to help you get there.
Also figure out if there are saboteurs in your life: those people who do not want you to succeed.
Unfortunately, some of your closest friends and relatives can be your most daunting saboteurs. It takes courage to decide you are going to change anyway. Figure out how you will deal with those people now. Do not wait until you are actively working hard on your personal change. You must be prepared beforehand.
December is the perfect month for organizing how you will change. In the last week of the month, as the hectic schedule of the past few weeks begins to wind down, take some time to ponder what you want your life to be like in the next year. Planning now will pay dividends as you execute a well-organized, supported plan for life change.
If you need a structured plan for weight loss, healthier eating and/or fitness, please give us a call at 303-816-1426 or visit www.onthemovefitness.com to see how we can be of help! Our new, larger fitness studio is located in the heart of Conifer and we would love to give you a tour.
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