Posted 12:27 am Sunday, February 05, 2012
Time To Reassess, Revitalize Those Health Resolutions
It’s already one month into 2012, and I’m wondering how everyone is doing with their New Year’s resolutions. We tend to be eager to “do right” for the New Year, committing to eating better and exercising more.
As most later find, that’s not always easy, especially if you set an unrealistic goal (say, lose 50 pounds in two months) or enlist the help of a fad diet.
Many people flocked to gyms, went on restrictive diets or pledged to undo bad habits that led to weight gain. However, fitness professionals said an overwhelming number of fitness-oriented New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February. They see some of their most enthused members slowly disappear from the gym.
As most later find, that’s not always easy, especially if you set an unrealistic goal (say, lose 50 pounds in two months) or enlist the help of a fad diet.
Many people flocked to gyms, went on restrictive diets or pledged to undo bad habits that led to weight gain. However, fitness professionals said an overwhelming number of fitness-oriented New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February. They see some of their most enthused members slowly disappear from the gym.
Today is probably a good time to reassess fitness goals. Let’s look at the beginning of each month, better yet, the beginning of each day as a chance to make a resolution for good health.
Instead of waiting for 2013 to roll around for a do-over, commit each day to do at least one thing to become healthier. That also means forgiving ourselves when a cheat day becomes a cheat weekend or a missed day of exercise becomes a missed week.
I’ve figured out that one healthy habit creates another. Exercising really does provide motivation to eat better. Who wants to walk a couple of miles or sweat at the gym only to undo it with a greasy hamburger and sugary soft drink?
Instead of waiting for 2013 to roll around for a do-over, commit each day to do at least one thing to become healthier. That also means forgiving ourselves when a cheat day becomes a cheat weekend or a missed day of exercise becomes a missed week.
I’ve figured out that one healthy habit creates another. Exercising really does provide motivation to eat better. Who wants to walk a couple of miles or sweat at the gym only to undo it with a greasy hamburger and sugary soft drink?
Opting for water instead of an afternoon diet drink can domino into eating more green vegetables or less fried food. Taking a walk at work, using the stairs and parking farther from entrances also sparks motivation to do better, do more.
We’re fortunate at the Tyler Paper to have motivation at every corner — from our wellness committee, in-house Facebook page and weekly updates of our weight-loss successes.
Seeing the results of healthy habits is rewarding, but the friendly competition and financial incentives have also helped us along the way. We’ve collectively lost 149 pounds and have collectively walked more than 1,200 miles since starting our fitness challenges in early January.
Employees here have about two months to go in these challenges, but we won’t stop. Our committee plans on establishing more initiatives to keep the momentum and encourage good health in the long run.
Repetition is good for lots of things. No one becomes an expert at playing an instrument, riding a bike or learning on a new job in a day. It’s the same with health. Even the best efforts will not get us the desired results overnight, but with repeated tries, being fit will become a reality.
We’re fortunate at the Tyler Paper to have motivation at every corner — from our wellness committee, in-house Facebook page and weekly updates of our weight-loss successes.
Seeing the results of healthy habits is rewarding, but the friendly competition and financial incentives have also helped us along the way. We’ve collectively lost 149 pounds and have collectively walked more than 1,200 miles since starting our fitness challenges in early January.
Employees here have about two months to go in these challenges, but we won’t stop. Our committee plans on establishing more initiatives to keep the momentum and encourage good health in the long run.
Repetition is good for lots of things. No one becomes an expert at playing an instrument, riding a bike or learning on a new job in a day. It’s the same with health. Even the best efforts will not get us the desired results overnight, but with repeated tries, being fit will become a reality.
