fitness first

By Pam Moore

If you’re like most people, January finds you energized and ready to do anything necessary to start a new fitness routine in the new year. And if you’re like most people, by February, your motivation vanishes along with the cookies you swore you wouldn’t eat. Studies show only four percent of people who join a gym in January step foot in that gym in February.

If you are one of the many who wanted this year to be different, there’s no way around it. You’re going to have to work for it. But there are three things you can do before you even lace up your sneakers to lay a foundation for success.

1Find Your Why

You’d be surprised how easy it is to figure out how you’re going to commit to your fitness journey when you know why you embarked on the mission in the first place. Ask yourself why you want to get in shape. Then ask again. And again… Maybe even once again. You’ll know when you’re done. Once you get over the awkwardness of having a conversation with yourself, you might be surprised how powerful your “why” is. The conversation might go something like this: Why do you want to get fit? Because I want my jeans to fit better. Why do you want your jeans to fit better? So I can feel good about myself. Why do you want to feel good about yourself? Because I want to be confident. Why do you want to be confident? I want to be a role model for my daughters. Or maybe it will go something like this: Why do you want to get fit? Because my doctor said I’m pre-diabetic and I want to live a long, healthy life. Why do you want to live a long, healthy life? Because I want to see my kids grow up. Why do you want to see your kids grow up? Because I love them and I want to share in their joys, sorrows, and adventures. Or maybe it will sound more like this: Why do you want to be fit?