Your Fitness: How to Prevail in 2012

Do you intend to make 2012 the year you follow through on your New Year’s resolution to get fit? If so, commit to yourself–right out of the gate–that this time, you’ll make it stick. You can do it! The trick is to create a plan that enables you to overcome the obstacles that have knocked you out of the (fitness) ring in the past.

Make it personal
If you need some inspiration to get on board with regular exercise, simply ask yourself why you want to get fit. Gather all possible reasons–health, disease prevention, looking great in clothes and swim wear, confidently sporting those red “go go” boots, increasing your energy, boosting body confidence, improving immune health, or warding off depression. Benefits abound, so grab on to what speaks most to you.

Create the time
“Lack of time” may be the most common excuse of all for letting muscle turn to fat. Don’t use it! We all make time for what matters most to us. Once you decide fitness is a viable priority, you’ll carve out the time. The key is noting it in your calendar like any worthy engagement. Select 30–60 minutes at least 3 days a week, and put it down in indelible ink. You always keep your appointments, right?

Identify roadblocks
In order to overcome your barriers to fitness, you need to identify them. For many of us, there’s a conflict between the lazy and disciplined sides of our nature. Others must work through depression, or minor health issues. The good news is that the more you get motivated, the more motivated you get. This means there’s a momentum to getting fit?starting with that first step–which will help you break through to the next level.

Pinpoint your exercise personality
One key to getting back on track is to freshly identify the way you like to exercise. Are you a lone wolf? If so, workout videos at home or your local walking trail may be a refuge for you, allowing you to sink into your own fitness experience several times a week. If you’re more social, the gym, classes and/or work–out buddies may be more conducive to your long–term success.

Create a manageable program
With some people, it’s all or nothing, but that’s a fitness faux pas. The key to making regular exercise a solid habit is to ease in and pace yourself for the long haul. Going from sedentary to sore can discourage the best of us. If you’ve not been active for some time, start with daily walking or gentle yoga. If you like the gym, consider getting a trainer to assess your fitness level and set up an appropriate cardio/weights regimen.

You’ll recall that it takes at least 21 days to develop a habit. Stick it out for a solid month, because by then, you’ll already be experiencing enough benefits to convince you that the fit, healthy life is your destiny. You’re entitled–now claim it!