Five Ways To Stick To Your New Year Diet & Exercise Plan

I am sure that most people will agree, January is a month for reflection and sometimes a few resolutions! The trouble with New Year’s resolutions is that they don’t normally last all year! In my experience, I have only kept one in my whole life (to stop biting my finger nails) I made my other life changes at different times. With this in mind, here are five great tips on “staying the course” with New Year resolutions:

- Don’t do too much at once! This is particularly important when it comes to dietary changes. It is very difficult to go from four slices of bread per day to the Atkins diet overnight! My advice is to make small changes and build on these. When it comes to diet, it may even be worth looking at habits rather than different types of foods. If, for example, you are eating large meals late at night, focus on changing this habit and move on from there.


- Find your “Why” Motivation is very important so if you don’t have a reason for doing something then this can hamper progress. If you are trying to be healthy in the New Year because you feel you should or because someone else has told you too, then perhaps this isn’t a strong enough reason. My advice would be to make a list of all your key motivations, remember them and stay focused!


- Do your homework! Find something that will work for you, whether this be a diet or an exercise program. Any change will always be challenging but it doesn’t have to be painful! In my own experience of training people, the objective is not to punish my clients. This will only lead to resentment and failure.


- Don’t sign up for long term gym contracts. This is unless you plan to get the most of it. I have done this myself many years ago and paid a gym membership for 8 months and I never actually went! In my opinion is it important to research any gym that you are looking at joining and ensuring that you are a) getting the most for your money & b) You feel that you will actually go. There is no point paying for a large flashy gym membership if you all need is a treadmill for example. 

- Ask for help! This can either be a professional such as a personal trainer or even your family members. Social support is very important, I have seen so many people fail because of a lack of support. If you are planning to change your diet, this may mean changes to the household. It is important to discuss this with your loved ones to ensure that everyone can understand and accommodate you.

New Year can be a great time to change habits and start a healthy lifestyle, you may not ever see the benefits if it only lasts a few weeks! Try using some of the methods above to give you the ability and confidence to achieve your health and fitness goals in 2011.
 
John Hill


Inspiring Fitness®


M: 0754 0368 060
E: john.hill@inspiring-fitness.co.uk  
T: 08703 120 121
http://www.inspiringfitness.co.uk/