New Year Resolution Do's and Don'ts

Happy New Year!

I think everyone is aware that a new year tends to bring out goal setting in many people. This is especially true in the fitness area. My buddies who train at Lifetime said the parking lot was so packed on the 1st they could barely get in. And of course the lines to use the machines and free weights were horrific. I told them just wait a month, it will simmer down!

The percentage of people who drop their exercise/diet resolutions by the end of January is staggering. I'm all for goal setting, but it has to be the RIGHT goals for you. They cannot be too broad, the more specific the better. It always makes me think of a quote by executive consultant Isaac Cheifetz. When asked "Do workaholics win"? He simply said "Only if they are doing the right work!"

To me, the key component in any properly designed goal is sustainability. Fads do not work. Do you really think a Grapefruit Diet is something you can sustain indefinitely? I hope not! Neither are these "Insanity workouts" or Crossfit challenges where you train until you puke. If you do get sick you are told to "man up" and keep going. Even if your will is strong, these type of workouts are unsustainable because the individual will find themselves injured. And no doubt burned out.

While I encourage you to make up a "To Do" list for the New Year, I sincerely hope you consider a "Not to Do" list as well. It is always important to know what you don't like to know what you do like. Diets that are realistic and unrestricted are the ones that work. Exercise programs (like Gym Movement) where it is based on feedback from your body will always be more effective than ones that are standardized. Be sure to track everything so you know when progress is being made. This will keep the momentum and stave off boredom.

Best of luck in 2012!!!