WE all know the most important part of a New Year's fitness resolution is keeping it.
Anybody can make them, but too often our best intentions lead nowhere fast. Don't let this happen to you!
Here are five tips to keep you on track in 2013:
? Phone a friend
Fitness resolutions are not like birthday wishes - they need not be kept secret to help them come true. Quite the opposite, in fact.
By telling a friend about your goals, you'll have someone there to hold you accountable and offer encouragement. Better still, you might even convince your friend to make a co-resolution. That way, the two of you can take a 2013 fitness journey together.
? Consider family history
This tip may not apply to everyone, but if there is a history of hypertension, diabetes, obesity or any other relatively avoidable health risk in your family, you should remember the apple never falls far from the tree and use that as fitness motivation. It's not a question of feeling controlled by your genetic heritage, but of taking that control back.
? Play the percentages
Losing a set number of pounds is definitely the most common fitness goal, but tracking your body fat percentage provides a much better gauge of overall fitness. This is because most scales don't account for increased muscle mass, which can create the illusion of limited fitness progress. Consider purchasing a body fat measuring scale or having a personal trainer perform the test.
If neither option is viable, take measurements and calculate the result yourself by following directions from the web, just know that this may be less accurate.
? Set relevant goals
Again, simply resolving to lose a certain amount of weight is precisely the type of goal that is easiest to give up on. Instead, consider setting your sights on a specific fitness challenge, like completing a particularly adventurous hike or finishing a 10-kilometre race.
If weight loss truly is your only fitness goal, try to find an old favourite pair of jeans or buy a great new pair in your former size, then resolve to make them fit comfortably in 2013.
? Reward success
We all need a little extra motivation to push us the extra mile at the end of a tough workout. So here's a thought: make a bargain with yourself to only fulfill a current personal daydream once you have reached your 2013 fitness goals. This could mean a vacation to a tropical locale to show off your new hard-earned physique or perhaps splurging on the latest tech device you've had your eyes on.
Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800 or visitkarpfitness.com.
