Saturday, May 28, 2011

How To Keep Your Fitness Resolutions From Fading

How To Keep Your Fitness Resolutions From Fading

5 simple tips to rev-up your resolution to get fit

(PRWEB) January 31, 2005

January is almost over. How are you doing on your list of fitness New YearÂ’s Resolutions? If you are like most people, they are gradually starting to fade. But they donÂ’t have to completely disappear.

Rev-up your resolutions with a few simple tips from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

1. Be reasonable. Often times, the New Year brings high hopes and unrealistic expectations. When setting fitness goals, know how your body works. "Healthy weight loss is about 2 pounds per week,” advises Keith Cinea, MA, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT, Educational Programs and Products Coordinator for the NSCA. “Weight loss above this amount may shock the body, making it harder to lose weight."

2. Take small steps. There are short, medium, and long-term goals. Many people skip the short and medium goals, and go straight for the long-term results. The old axiom applies: “People donÂ’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.” Results will come, but you have to be patient and continue on your fitness plan—eating a sensible diet and exercising more. 

3. Work out with a partner. Surround yourself with positive people who have the same goals. “A workout partner makes you more accountable--you are less likely to skip a workout because you know they are waiting for you,” recommends Peter Melanson, MS, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT, Educational Programs Coordinator for the NSCA. “A partner also allows you to work harder, especially in the weight room, knowing you have a spotter there to help.”

4. Reward yourself. When you reach a goal, however small you may think it is, reward yourself with a small gift— preferably fitness related (a new pair of shoes, work-out equipment, or clothing). After a few small goals are completed and you realize that you can do it, the larger goals won’t seem so impossible.

5. Get help. Get the motivation and expert training you need by hiring a personal trainer. “Personal trainers not only provide an accountability aspect to training, but they are also professionally trained to know exactly what you need to do to reach your fitness goals,” explains Michael Barnes, MEd, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT, NSCA Education Director.

The NSCA offers a free personal trainer locator service on its web site at www. nsca-lift. org/trainers (http://www. nsca-lift. org/trainers).

A healthy lifestyle is an ongoing process. Don’t get discouraged—get going.

About the NSCA

The National Strength and Conditioning Association is the leading authority on strength and conditioning. For more than 27 years, the NSCA has bridged science and application to provide reliable, research-based, strength and conditioning information to its members and the general public. With nearly 30,000 members worldwide, the NSCA is the largest health and fitness association in the world. For more information on NSCA professional journals, cutting edge conferences, educational text and videos, or other services, visit the web site at www. nsca-lift. org.

###