Take Charge!

Made a resolution to start getting in better shape?

This can be accomplished in many ways.  I recommend several things to start with:

1.  Decide what type of exercise you like.  Are you a loner or do you get more motivation from a class environment? Do you need a trainer or are you self-motivated?

2.  Find someplace either close to work or close to home that you can join.  If it's not convenient, you may not stick with it and will make excuses not to go.

3.  On a budget? See if you can gather some friends and do something every day that gets you up and moving.

4.  Decide if you want or need a support system.  Some folks need lots of encouragement and if you involve those who love you they will help, especially in the food department.  If you just want to gut it out by yourself, there is nothing wrong with that either, but it helps to have someone you can go to if you have a question.

5.  If you are reading this, then you are probably somewhat Internet savvy.  Do a search on free websites that have tools to help you keep track of what you are eating.  You will be suprised at how many calories you are eating.  I recommend www.everydayhealth.com or www.nutrimirror.com .  Both have free customizable tools you can use.  When you choose a site, be sure you can add in your own foods and exercises so it is tailored specifically to you.

6.  Once you have signed up on a site.  Use it!  Every day!  Log on, update what you have eaten and what you have done besides watch TV. I have said it before and I will say it again.  Losing weight starts in the kitchen.  You need to burn more calories than you take in.

7.  A small side note:  If you have medical issues, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.  The thing you want to ask is "What should I NOT do?" Examples of this might be 'anything that causes you to rotate the hip outward' or 'no jumping on the hard floor'. Beyond that, the sky is the limit. 

8.  Notice I have not said anything about age.  I believe that it is never too late to get going. Not being a spring chicken myself I have learned that I have some limitations, not many mind you, but some.  For instance, I know I cannot push up on that overhead press machine with over 25 pounds because the shoulder repair I had will not allow it.  Other than that, I don't let anything slow me down. The folks in my classes do not let anything slow them down either.  I think the oldest participant I have this winter is around 80 yrs old and she rocks and rolls with the best of us!

9.  Set small goals.  Measure yourself and write down what you find.  Get on the scale at the beginning, but don't spend too much time there.  Don't get discouraged when you plateau. It will all work out if you stick to it.  Oh, and don't get all cranky and quit if you give in and eat that candy bar, it will be okay.

10.  Let's review:  You decided you are more motivated by being with people than doing pilates in front of your TV - You have a fitness center two blocks from your house that is offering pricing specials you can afford or you started Mall walking because you live in snow country - You partnered up with your best buddy and you are going to get fit together - You picked a website and started logging your food intake, checked your BMI and all those other fun things - You checked with your doctor about that problematic knee - You decided that 50 is the new 40! - And you know what size you would like to wear to next the next Christmas party.  Cool!

Remember

This is so not a resolution, this is a lifestyle change.  It's not going on a diet, it's changing your eating habits.  It's time you took charge, isn't it?