It's time to tackle New Year's resolutions and, once again, many of us will promise that this year we will get fit.
Yet, according to the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals, 50 per cent of new exercisers quit their workout regimen within six to eight weeks. So, what do you need to keep from being a statistic? Motivation.
To stay motivated, you should look at your new exercise routine as a way of life, not a short-term goal. Personal trainer Nadia Behnan suggests that everyone should be physically fit in order to reduce the risk of disease. Staying active often means staying healthy, so here are some ways to achieve your fitness goals.
1. Make it personal
To successfully change your lifestyle, it's imperative that the change is something you've decided to do for yourself. "You can't begin exercising just because your parents or your friends tell you that you should," explains Behnan.
2. Everything in moderation
If you say you will never eat chocolate again, chances are, you will crave it. Schedule "cheat days" when you can eat some not-so-healthy foods but remember that moderation is important on these days too. Behnan recommends taking one to two "cheat days" per week. "I want my clients to be able to keep up their program for the rest of their life, not for a month," she explains. She also recommends exercising no more than three days per week. "If you know that only three hours of your week are devoted to your exercise regimen, it is a lot easier to maintain in the long-term," Behnan says.
3. Put it in writing
Keep a workout log and food journal. You are less likely to ditch a workout session or eat that dessert if you know you have to actually write it down. Also, by keeping notes, you will be able to see what helps you to progress and what doesn't, so you can tweak your routine until you notice your desired improvements.
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