Like most people, if your number one resolution in the New Year is that of taking better care of your health, then you are on the right track. However, to make sure you reach your fitness goals and not quit half way through the year, be careful about planning and executing them well. Here are some ways in which you can reach your health goals this year, whatever they may be.
Set definitive goals: If your goal is to lose weight, then quit smoking, eat better and work on more muscle power. You need to first identify your goal in numbers – 20 kgs of weight loss; 4 additional pounds of muscle mass; run a marathon. Then set a realistic goal, say 20 kgs in a year; 4 pounds of additional muscle mass in 6 months or run a full marathon by year end. If you clearly define your goals, then you up your chances of success significantly. Random goals with no defined timeline remains as a fancy idea in your head.
Break it up into realistic time frame: If you took two years to add on 20 kgs to your frame, know that the time you will take to drop it will be at least half of that. Similarly, if you have never even run continuously for half an hour, then you can’t run a marathon the very next month. Train and plan to run a half marathon at the end of the next six and a full marathon by the year end.
Enlist professional help: Whether your goal is to run the marathon or quit smoking, enlisting professional help can ensure that you reach your goals. A professional can guide your training and diet towards your final goal, ensure crucial help and motivation when you most need it.
Enlist family support and support from friends: Family and friends can provide valuable support and motivation to help you reach your goals. Get a friend to join you in your training regime; it will help you regularise training and let your family know your health and fitness goals. This way everyone is on the same page and you won’t have to wolf down food you don’t want to or keep late nights with them which can derail your regime.
Remember your success ultimately is a result of good planning and execution. Resolutions which have no planning, remain resolutions only.
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