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We hope your holidays were filled with laughter, joy and lots of activity. We wish you a healthy 2008, and it’s not too late for us to help you make that wish come true. The key? Make a resolution to enhance your fitness in ’08 and resolve to keep it. See page 2 for some ideas that’ll help you keep your resolve, have fun and be healthier.
BE GREAT IN 2OO8 -
BE REALISTIC
1. It’s all about moderation!
If you want to have some cake, have a slice; just don't have the whole cake! One slice is not going to break your scales. Two might! Three will! But if you deny yourself that one little piece of pleasure, you may end up over doing it later. Allow yourself a little taste of the things you love – but only occasionally. That’s moderation!
It’s the same when you work out; don’t over do it, don’t under do it.
2. Do it for yourself alone!
If you decide to embark on a quest to improve your health and fitness, make sure you are doing it for yourself first, not for a partner, parent or friend. If this is truly something you want and you are ready and willing to commit time, energy and money, there is little that will get in your way.
3. Don't be a slave to the scale!
Weigh yourself once when you first start an exercise program, and then every 4-6 weeks so you can asses your positive progress. Weighing yourself any sooner can be discouraging because it is too soon to see real fat loss. It can also be deceiving, as muscle weighs more than fat, and you may think that you are putting on weight. In fact, it is muscle weight, which will help you burn more fat.
4. Just do it!
Exercise is really not complicated. Any time you elevate your heart rate, warm up your muscles and increase your breathing rate, you are exercising. For some that may mean a fast walk, going for regular hikes or riding your bike to work, while for others it may mean going to the gym, taking a boxing class or lifting some weights under the direction of a coach. Whichever way you do it is fine. Just remember not to think about it too much, and just do it!
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help!
Regardless of fitness levels, beginners, avid exercisers, or body builders, everyone can gain and benefit from the expertise of a physiotherapist, personal trainer or coach. Whether you want to learn a new routine, take your current one to the next level or if you have reached a plateau and can't get past it, the best investment you can make for yourself is to work with someone who is an expert in that field. They will personalize a routine to meet all of your needs and fitness goals.
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Only about 20% of us, on average, keep our New Year's resolutions and some of the biggest failure rates are found in fitness resolutions. But don't let the statistics get you down. By following the tips in this article you'll help equip yourself for success.
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