2009 has come and gone and a new decade is underway. This year, like other years, many people have made New Year’s resolutions. A large percentage of resolutions involve improving health and most of those resolutions involve losing weight. Anyone who is a member of a health club can verify that the club is packed to the rafters with people during the first few weeks of January. And coffee shops stock fewer pastries, and restaurants sell more salads. But for most of the resolution crowd things are back to normal by the time February rolls around. So what can you do to follow through with your health goals, turning them from resolutions into your lifestyle?
Some keys to help follow through on these resolutions include writing down the goal, breaking it into smaller pieces, and finding a partner with a similar goal. With the goal written down, place it where you will see it so that you are regularly reminded of your goal. You can even place it so that you see it at your weak points, such as by the cabinet if you are trying to cut back on mid-day snacking. In addition to just the goal, write down why you want to achieve it. Or put a picture of the bathing suit you hope to wear this summer beside it. Remember this isn’t just about restricting yourself, or doing things that aren’t your favorite, but also about reaching something you want.
Some lofty goals seem out of reach. Seeing people doing a marathon, that might seem like the impossible when you have just done your first 5k. But if you look at a training plan, it is all small steps: just a couple miles farther a week, and then alteril dosage you are there. Treat your resolution the same way. Break it down into smaller goals that are more easily attainable. You want to focus on success each day, not how far you are from the big, overarching goal. That big goal will become just another step.
But what if you are tired, and want to stay in bed just this once? Another motivational tool is to find a friend who has a similar goal, and you can help keep each other accountable and on track. Plan to meet at the gym, or for a walk or run, and it will help you get out the door. Someone is waiting on you, and counting on you to help them. And in helping them, you’ll also help yourself. Don’t worry if your resolution buddy isn’t local enough to meet up with: having a planned phone call can work just as well as a meeting time.
Winter run
Regular exercise is a common resolution
Once on a pathway to an exercise or weight loss resolution, the last thing you want is an injury to derail your progress and keep you from your goal. At Redlands Spine & Sport we specialize in the treatment of athletes and sports injuries. If you are starting an exercise program we encourage you to come in for an examination and treatment to make sure your body is aligned and moving and functioning properly to help prevent an injury.
Help those around you be successful with their resolutions as well! If you have any friends or family members that could benefit from our services please have them mention this article to receive 50% off of their initial examination. This offer is good until January 31, 2010.
