Why wait to make healthy lifestyle changes as a New Year Resolution!
Did you know that the end of summer is a great time to make a resolution? For many of us we are programmed to start a “New Year” resolution. I think it is a great idea to begin the new year fresh after the holiday season with a new start and changes for the better, but in my opinion the summer season can be just as off track with our diet and fitness habits as the holiday season can be. Summer is a longer period of time for us to eat and drink in excess because it starts in May and ends in September. With all the graduation and outdoor parties, bbq’s, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cold beer, alcohol and sugary beverages on the menu it is easy to add more calories and pack on extra pounds by the end of the summer season.
Now is the best time to revisit your New Year resolutions, did you stay on track? If you did that’s great, if not you can make a great after summer plan with new health and fitness goals. Keep in mind that a successful change takes time and patience to have longevity, you need to adjust to the healthy lifestyle changes and make them a part of your daily routine. Did you know that it takes an average of 20 days to create a habit and six months for it to actually become part of your everyday life, you also need to mentally prepare yourself and get motivated for a successful outcome, 20 percent of those who succeed start slowly and gradually, making the necessary adjustments that it takes to succeed with their fitness goals over a period of time.
I know I have said it time and time again, in every blog that I have written about resolutions, PLEASE do not focus on the SCALE and the number that you see! This is often a negative experience and I really believe this to be one of your worse habits, it should be the very first habit that you break! Focus on your goals not the scale, remember muscle weighs more than fat and weight training increases bone density, muscle mass and strength while burning fat even after your fitness session is done! You will lose fat and weight along the way but a good program will increase your muscle mass as it reduces fat. More strength training for muscle and bone mass and the required amount of cardio training for cardiovascular health that will increase muscle and reduce fat is my choice of fitness programming for my clients and in my own personal training as well.
My advice to people who really want to achieve their fitness goals is to start training with a certified personal trainer. A personal trainer will keep your workouts fresh, mix it up and keep you focused and on track, schedule your training sessions and make yourself accountable, let your coach help you to get in the best shape of your life and teach you how to maintain that goal throughout the upcoming holiday season too!
Small changes BIG results! Good luck with your end of summer health and fitness goals!
