More new years resolutions? – How to get into shape & stay that way

Today’s guest post is by Jim Rollince of Gym Source

Jim’s a vendor of home gym and exercise equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, arc trainers, bikes and more.

More new years resolutions? – How to get into shape & stay that way in 2011

It’s 11:59 on December 31st and the last thing running through your mind is “…God I can’t wait to get in shape!” – FAIL.

Of course you aren’t thinking about your fitness resolutions going into the New Year; you’re thinking about how much fun your having and how you never want it to end! But herein lies the flaw; your desire to improve is half-hearted.
Clint’s comment: The other ‘flaw’ is spending New Years Eve with a tranny who offered you 3 magic beans in return for some ‘service’. We’ve all been there. Right guys?

Get committed

Committed resolvers desire and want to be healthier, slimmer, and stronger, but often are not able to overcome the initial effort it takes to begin and sustain true fat-loss and muscle gain. Many individuals will visit the gym once or twice a week and slowly dissipate to a workout regime of once or twice a month. It’s a slippery slope, and this is why a resolver need-not set unattainable expectations for themselves.

It’s best to begin by setting modest expectations and then increasing frequency and level of difficulty accordingly.
Clint’s comment: Also give your program a chance to work—changing it just because it isn’t working straight away will leave you frustrated—Kinda like Britney Spears at a ‘How did I morph into a wilder-beast?’ convention.

Be prepared to fail

Many individuals end up throwing in the towel before they’ve truly started.

For example, you may have resolved to get back into shape or go to the gym six days a week, only to call it quits soon after because of your inability to adapt to the routine. Perhaps you’re better suited for exercising at home, but because you were immediately disheartened by your inability to work out at the gym, you gave up.

Even more so, you may have had an embarrassing experience at the gym (i.e. dropping a barbell on yourself).

Clint’s comment: Or other less desirable experiences such as sharting your pants on the elliptical trainer attempting level 20.

I think you get the point…

Let’s keep in mind however; home exercise can be just as rigorous and effective, providing a non-competitive and non-intimidating environment.
Clint’s comment: The one caveat being motivation. If working out at home doesn’t inspire you and you start slacking off, this kind of training may not be for you. Try something else such as group fitness or give that public gym a crack.

Find support

If going it alone isn’t your style, it might be best for you to find a workout buddy. Similarly, working with a personal trainer is another great way to increase the likelihood that you’ll adhere to a regular workout schedule.

Also try and maintain an exercise log and daily diet information.

Clint’s comment: Getting an ongoing visual gauge as to how you’re changing is HIGHLY motivating. Take ‘before’ photos, and monthly ones as you progress. Leave your pants on though—Noone wants to see your ‘before shot’ in a birthday suit.

In summary

Failing to do one or all of the above can lead to discouragement, which will in turn leave you over-weight and unchanged from 2010.

Set realistic goals for oneself—Dramatic changes in your physique and physical fitness don’t happen over night; it takes commitment and hard work!

Clint’s Note: Thanks for the post Jim. There are a bunch more ways to keep you on track in 2011. How do you plan achieving your goals this year? Comment below.