| Welcome 2006 in
with a big bang by starting the year off right! For many people
that means making a commitment to live a healthier lifestyle that
might consist of starting an exercise program, eating healthier
meals, getting to gym more frequently, or even joining a gym.
While all of the above are great ideas, rather than set a general
goal like “I’m going to exercise more often”, choose a specific
one like “I’m going to exercise three times a week, every other
day.” The more specific you are, the better your chance of adhering
to your commitment, staying consistent, and making a true lifestyle
change.
While I exercise regularly and cross-train in various sports,
there is always room for improvement. In my case, I noticed that
I’m not as limber as I once was, and this past year it seems that
I’ve suffered several injuries related to training and various
athletics—a sore patellar tendon, a torn abdominal muscle, plus
a few others. Not to mention, my husband is much less flexible
than he used to be. So I’ve decided to take a yoga class (that
way I can also sign him up) on a weekly basis. While it would
be great if I could go several days a week, I know that isn’t
realistic and our schedules just won’t allow it. One Saturday
per week, however, will work. We’ll stretch in a class setting
and then on our own on the other days. It will be good for both
of us, provide some structure, and be motivating all at the same
time!
I realize that being a trainer, I probably lend more importance
to exercise than most people out there, but many of you can achieve
excellent results and see big differences in your overall health
simply be making some small changes. While I weight train four
days a week, try to grapple in Jiu-jitsu twice a week, and do
a variety of conditioning exercises, I really enjoy getting outdoors
as much as possible. Weekdays don’t allow as much time for that
as weekends do, so I’ve decided to dedicate some time on Saturdays
and Sundays to hiking and mountain biking on a regular basis.
They are great sports and now that my puppy is getting bigger,
he will also be able to benefit. I find it much more enjoyable
when I can take him with me and I believe it’s really therapeutic
to get outdoors as much as possible.
My advice is to be creative and realistic as far as what you
can do and what you’d like to do. Remember the best goals in the
world can look great on paper, but if you don’t stick with them
then they didn’t really do you much good, did they? So figure
in a realistic schedule for yourself, and if that means only getting
to the gym two times a week and walking one weekend morning, then
so be it. You can make good progress that way, it causes you to
start thinking in a healthier paradigm, and you’ll probably be
surprised at how great you feel. You’ll also be setting yourself
up for success rather than failure. So best wishes to you in living
a healthier lifestyle in 2006!
©Melissa Allen, Optimum Condition. Melissa is a certified personal
trainer, Blackbelt & fitness consultant, as well as the owner
of Optimum Condition—custom fitness services and mobile personal
training. She is a self-syndicated columnist who welcomes input
from her readers, so please contact her with any questions or
comments by calling (619) 252-4993, or visit her website at www.OptimumCondition.com.
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