It is already half way through January, and there are hoards of people who are battling to stick to their New Year’s resolutions to get fit. Every gym will see an upsurge of new members who are competing to get on the treadmills, free weights and other exercise equipment and classes. It is well known that January is by far the most popular month for signing up to a gym or fitness class. It doesn't take long before the numbers reduce significantly to more normal levels. Usually, by about the middle of March, a lot of people will have given up. So what is it that makes these people lose their motivation and return to their more sedentary lifestyles? One of the main factors is that they put in too much initial effort into achieving their goals. They are also lacking in professional guidance as to what they should be doing.
They become de-motivated when they aren't seeing results as quickly as want they hoped for. But when questioned they insist that they really want to achieve their fitness goals this year. Well, don't give up yet! Here are a few tips that may help you to keep on course.
You have to want to do it for yourself: Do not do it just to please other people or because you think that this is what everybody does at this time of year. Deep down, it must be your own desire to improve your fitness, lose weight etc.
Get some help: If you can afford to, then it is great to hire a personal trainer who can help keep you motivated.
Take it slowly: Don't overdo it when you start out. You will just feel too worn out after your work out and it will put you off going back for more. If you want to start jogging but haven't run any considerable distance for a long while, then start off by walking. As your fitness starts to improve - then you can try a light jog for 30 seconds to a minute and go back to walking again. Gradually build up at a pace that is suited to you.
Be prepared for setbacks: If you haven't exercised for ages, you may experience significant weight loss in the first few weeks. This will probably slow down though, because your body will reach a stage where it doesn't respond to exercise as quickly as when you first started. So, what are you going to change? You may alter your diet, increase the frequency that you do your exercise or make your routine more intense.
Give yourself an occasional reward: It is nice to have an occasional break from you routine. This could be going out for a meal once a week and ordering whatever you fancy. If you have worked hard all week - then you deserve it.
Don't be intimidated by other people: It is easy to see other people who are a lot fitter than you and think that you will never be as good as them. Once you get started, you will realise that there are many people who are just as unfit as you.
You have to view this as a lifestyle change, not just something to do for a period of time and then give up. To help make that change you must try and stick to your routine for at least 3 months. Once people have got past that 3 month barrier, they are normally able to carry on their routine and incorporate it into their lives on a permanent basis.
This is when the battle is won.
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