That time of the year? Right now we are in the middle of the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years, enjoying delicious cookings, spending time with our families, relaxing, and making New Year’s resolutions. New Year’s tends to be the time when we are looking back and forward, summarize the past year and make plans for the new one. Probably one of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to get into better shape, or shed a pound, two or more. Maybe our favorite New Year’s costume has shrunk in the closet since we wore it last time? Uh-oh.
Jumping into healthier lifestyle is always a big change. Starting to work out is definitely a struggle when being out of shape. Huffing and puffing like steam train on the treadmill can feel pretty intimidating when the treadmiller next to you is of course a seasoned athlete who keeps running a happy smile on her face for miles and miles.
However, the good news is that we all can do it! It takes some time, dedication, practice – and sweat! But we can get there. The best part in working out is that you can see yourself improving all the time. I am a running addict, and if possible, love to include running or similar workout to my personal training clients’ routines. It is one of the easiest ways to see the improvement in fitness and experience those rewarding “I am getting there” moments: a person who starts running from the scratch can rather quickly run 100, 200 yards, half a mile, a full mile…. and walk less and less.
But how to stay motivated then? Dragging ourselves to the gym can sometimes be a challenge after a long day at work, school …
- First of all, choose the exercise type that you enjoy. If you don’t like the workout, self-motivation will be a challenge.
- Find a workout buddy who has similar goals – it is always more fun to do things with someone else.
- Change your workout routines. Running five times a week can get old if you don’t happen to be a serious running addict – run four times a week, and swim once, for example.
- Change your gym routines every 6-8 weeks. Besides the same routine getting boring, also your muscles get “bored” and learn the pattern; you need to give them new challenges!
- Think about a personal trainer. Someone is paid to be kicking your butt, planning the exercises and giving you nutritional tips – definitely helps to stick with the plan.
That’s about my healthy bites for this Sunday. It is always a good time to start working out, so why not to head out today?
At least I will be.
Here I run... one of my favorite trail running/skiing spots in the neighborhood.
Running junkie getting out...
