Starting a New (Year’s) Workout Routine

  • January 2, 2017

Now that we just completed the 2016 Holiday Season, it is time to think about those New Year’s Resolutions. What will it be this year? Are you prepared to succeed?

Yes, you are going to SUCCEED this TIME.

With the coming of 2017, many individuals resolve to begin or renew an exercise program with the goals of losing weight, getting healthier, etc. All of these are fine goals, but so often many people fail to achieve them for various reasons. What follows are ways to avoid the most common pitfalls with New Year’s Resolutions and help you become healthier in 2017.

One of the most common reasons people fail with the exercise resolution is not making time for themselves. We are all busy people, but think about all the time wasted in the course of a week. Think of the time spent watching TV or sitting during a child’s practice (sports, music, art, etc). Then plan to insert exercise in its place. Do not feel two hours 5 days a week is necessary to get healthier. Start with 30 minutes 3 times per week and go from there. Even if this feels like too much, how about just walk for 10-15 min every day at lunch.

Another reason for not meeting these goals is the inevitable soreness that happens when one begins a NEW exercise program. This is part of the process the body goes through when ANYONE starts or modifies their exercise routine. The muscle soreness IS NORMAL and will pass within 2-4 weeks if one consistently exercises. Most failures occur when an individual begins an exercise program, gets sore from the initial workout, and then does not attempt to exercise again until they are no longer sore. Then upon completion of the 2nd workout maybe a week later they become sore again. Thus the cycle perpetuates unless the individual persists with the program. This is where many (MOST) people stop exercising because they fear soreness.

A third reason people fail to achieve these goals is by not modifying unhealthy eating habits. I am not writing to tell you to starve yourself, only begin to assess your eating habits. Look to replace a high calorie snack with a lower calorie option or consider eating slightly smaller portions. Look to reduce calorie intake by say 500 per day, thus over the course of one week that calorie reduction equals one pound. Then, if coupled with exercise, it may be possible to lose even more weight.

Concerned you cannot exercise due to pre-existing aches and pains? Why not make that your 1st Resolution. To defeat those nagging aches and pains stopping you from being active as you desire. Think what life would be like if…(your body felt 5 years or even 10 years younger)? If help and guidance is what you need, then look no further. Make the call today 717-440-6197 and lets discuss your health goals for 2017 and how you can begin to achieve them. Looking for a wellness exam and plan of attack to meet those goals? Then claim your Free phone consult or inquire about availability of an exam to being your journey.

I am here to tell you that change is possible if you wish it to happen AND put in the work. Research indicates most New Year’s Resolutions collapse within a month. The data also shows that it takes 6 weeks or more to modify habits, so if you want to make a change, work hard for 2 months and you will be more likely to succeed.