Heading into the Christmas holidays may seem like an odd time to start a series on healthy eating, but I know some of you set New Year's Resolutions, and some of you have been setting the same weight loss goals for years, with no results. In some cases, you may have actually gained weight.
I think the whole health and fitness craze around New Year's is more annoying than anything. There is this two week period when all of the machines at the gym are in use by chubby people. By the end of January, the gym is a desolate place once more, frequented only by those guys who look like they are part of the Jersey Shore cast. Well, that's motivating.
Genetics do not play as large a factor in weight gain or loss as lifestyle and nutrition. Contrary to what the media keeps telling us, most Americans do not really care about fitness and losing weight. While I think it is good not to criticize others for the way they look, I also do not think that people should stop caring about their health.
What bugs me is that people would rather blame obesity on genetics or the busyness of life. I get it, I really do. We're busy people. Fast food is easy. Sugar is everywhere. Kids are picky. But at some point, a person has to take responsibility for their choices. Why wait until it is too late? Here are some quick tips to get you thinking about how to implement lifestyle changes in time for the New Year.
1. Find a good gym or home workout system. Even if it is a workout show you can DVR, do something.
2. Consider hiring a personal trainer or coach. They will be able to help you hit goals and work on target areas, as well as implement new exercises and activities that will stave off boredom. They can also correct posture and positioning, and prevent injuries resulting from incorrect movements or weights that are too heavy.
3. Set goals. They should be in several areas: weight loss; calorie counts or Weight Watchers points, etc.; time spent on cardio per week.
4. Find a workout buddy. If you are scheduled to meet someone at the gym or your house to work out, you are substantially more likely to actually make it happen. Make sure this person is as equally motivated as you.
5. Go to the gym with a plan. Do a little research and know how to use the machines or dumbbells, work your plan, and remember to change it up.
6. Track your progress. If you don't know where you started, you won't know how far you have come.
7. Have fun. If you make it a chore, working out will be excruciating. If you look at it as a way to have greater endurance doing the things you like to do (shopping, ladies? Flag football, guys?) you will enjoy it more.
Don't forget that there are many other benefits to a good workout. Endorphins work wonders for a crummy outlook.
The next few blogs will focus on the dieting portion of becoming healthy. If you have any questions, feel free to email them to me at sarahbethharris@gmail.com or sent them to me on Facebook.
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