Over the last couple of days, I have overheard many a conversation on making fitness resolutions for this year. Without a doubt, many have started strong in 2010 and waned along the way only to find their goals and resolution diminish into thin air.
Making a resolution is not as simple as just saying “I want to be healthier” or “I want to lose weight” or “I want a flat tummy”. To me there are two very important ingredients that many people miss out: Numbers and Practicality.
Numbers basically mean that you must make your resolution measurable. If there are no numbers, then it’s as good as punching into thin air. If weight loss is your goal, state exactly how much weight you want to lose. In exact kilos. Or alternatively, how many inches off your waist. If fitness is your goal, then perhaps how many kilometers you would be able to run. Or how many pushups you can do in one go. Remember, there must be a finite number. Or finishing a competition of some sort.
The next important thing is practicality. Too many people come up with mad schedules that they will never stick to. They put in too much exercise time and after a month, the whole schedule is out the window. The best way to do this is to chart your projected weekly routines on paper. Then fit in the exercise sessions and see if it works out. If it looks too crowded, it probably is and you would not be able to stick to it.
The last thing to do once you have an idea of a goal is to write it down. The action of writing it down makes a world of a difference as there is some form of commitment. I like to call this Your Personal Fitness Contract. It could go something like this:-
“On this, the____ day of ______, 2011, I hereby declare my fitness goal to lose ____ kg within the next 12 months. I pledge that I will devote time, energy and effort to achieve this physical fitness goal. I shall start by jogging twice a week and watch my food, especially supper. Whenever I slack, I shall use my entire energy to refocus and get back on track”
Write yourself a contract and stick it on your bathroom mirror. You will thank yourself in 12 months. Try it!