SHAPE COMMITTING TO EXERCISE

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER

Are you one of the fifty percent of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions in the first week of January only to feel defeated by spring time? Welcome to the club! Studies show that only about ten percent of those who set out with good intentions are actually able to see them through. With statistics like that, it is easy to start out with a losing attitude. However, if you will carefully read and implement the suggestions below you will increase your chances of success many times over.

There is a huge difference between interest and commitment. How would you like for your spouse or significant other to say, “Oh, I am interested in you” versus “Oh, I am committed to you”? Simply being interested is a good start but will not stand the test of time nor keep you going when difficulties come your way. Interest wanes when circumstances get difficult. Interest is easily lost when it becomes inconvenient to put in the hard work. On the other hand, commitment is for the long haul. It takes time, but if you change your thinking and embrace the commitment, you will succeed in whatever fitness goals you have for the New Year. Here are some tips that will surely increase your chances for success:

C – CHANGE YOUR THINKING from “I hope I can” to “I know I can.”

O – ORGANIZE YOUR GOALS. Start with your long-term goal (six months to one year) What do you want to accomplish? Be specific; make it measurable, not subjective. Cut it in half, and make that your short-term goal (so that you can measure and be halfway there by “x” date). Now cut the short-term goal in half again, and write out what you must do daily or weekly to reach that goal. Taking baby steps is the way to go.

M – MAKE APPOINTMENTS WITH YOURSELF. No one else will make it happen. Write on your calendar that you will work out three to five days a week for a minimum of thirty minutes (if that fits your goal, for example).

M – MOVE ALL OBSTACLES OUT OF YOUR WAY. Enlist support and help from family, friends, or co-workers who will share your ups and downs with you. Is junk food a problem? Get it out of your house! Excuses are big obstacles; remove them from your mind and mouth.

I – INTENTIONAL EXERCISE MUST BE A PRIORITY. It cannot be, “Am I going to exercise today?” but “What kind of exercise am I going to do today?”

T – TREAT YOURSELF AS YOU MEET YOUR GOALS with something that will keep you moving in the right direction. Do not use food as a treat, rather as an accessory that will keep you excited about your new lifestyle of fitness. A new pair of workout shorts and top, a piece of equipment to use at home, a new DVD, or signing up for a 5K walk / run for charity are among neat treats that will keep you revved up as you reach your mini-goals.

Your thoughts will either be your biggest enemy or your best pal. Be sure to keep your mind focused on the fact that you are committed to this fitness goal in the New Year. When negativity comes your way it is up to you to choose to ignore it. The more you practice your new thinking the more your confidence will grow, the more disciplined you will become and the closer you will be to your destination!