Happy New Year! First and foremost, thank you, my loyal readers and followers.
The New Year always brings promise–promise of a better life, and for many, an attempt to shed unwanted pounds. For some, it will happen; for many it will not. I’ve often wondered “why?” Everyone starts committed, but what happens along the way? Before you hop on the NEW YEAR NEW YOU bandwagon, keep this in mind. It may mean the difference between setting your goal, and actually reaching it.
SLOW & STEADY
I realize this may be common sense, but its worth going over anyway. If your idea of running or working out consists of running to the mailbox (depending upon how far your mailbox is), gradual and steady are the operative words here.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype. Friends and family are buying workout gear, shoes, and everywhere you look there is a new exercise trend or gadget. From juicers to blenders, “healthy” recipes, to “try this and lose 6lbs in 2 weeks,” it’s easy to get swept up in the fitness tide. DO IT, BUT DON’T OVER DO IT.
WANT A NEW YOU? START WITH A NEW PLAN
For many, this is not the first time at the dance. You know what I mean. You’ve made this resolution before. How far did you get? Did you reach your goal? If so, what happened? If not, what happened? Your intentions were there, your commitment was resolute. Fast forward 4 weeks later, and for whatever reason, you just aren’t as motivated. True enough, you’re not alone. But that isn’t going to get the weight off, let alone keep it off.
What might have gone wrong is a lack of planning. For example, your plan was to get to the gym, 3 days a week, for 60-90 minutes. However, you got stuck working a double shift twice this week. The other days your husband couldn’t pick up the kids, or worse yet, your sitter cancelled. The one day you could get to the gym, you were just too tired. The weekend is time to play catch up. What happened? LIFE– that’s what happened. What you fail to realize is that this is your life, and you have more control than you think.
TIME, INVESTMENT, & STRATEGY
Financial planning is not something most of us take lightly. So why should your healthy lifestyle require less effort than your finances? If you’re willing to pour over portfolios, sweat out strategy, and insist on insight into potential investment, shouldn’t your weight loss goals require the same due diligence? If they don’t, well, get ready for the never-ending story of new year resolutions.
I don’t presume to know everyone’s predicament, situation, or needs. As a nurse and trainer, I am results oriented. Nursing has taught me to embrace evidence based practice, while considering specific patient needs. However, the outcome is still the same: Transition the client from one point of health to a better one–with progression, consistency, and maintenance in mind.
This requires strategy, time, and investment. But first and foremost, it requires a plan. Over the next few posts, Personal Training with Crystal will endeavor to help you plan. So if you are serious about NEW YEAR NEW YOU, and want to close the chapter on weight loss resolutions, stay tuned. Time to start a new book.
All for now. Keep up and keep at it.
Questions? Need additional help? Contact me at serrenity.c@gmail.com
LIFE TRAINING WITH CRYSTAL 
Well made points. If you truly want to lose weight, lifestyle change is needed. Why would anyone think a resolution to change in a couple months would work? Doesn’t make any sense to me.
Thank you–I’ve always said there must be a change in lifestyle, but more to the point–a change in consciousness. Without that, whatever you do is a temporary fix.