New Year's resolutions are easy to make, but so much harder to stick to. This year like most years, millions of Americans set a goal to improve their health in 2010. However, after new goals are set, motivation tends to dwindle after a couple of weeks.
As we all are aware, exercise is good for many different reasons and is part of many New Year’s resolutions. Regular physical activity can improve your immune system which will help fight off colds, reduce the risk of some diseases and cancers, boost your energy level, and even slow aging. Staying active also has shown to assist in maintaining a healthy weight, decreasing stress and anxiety levels, and improving your mood. With all of these benefits, why wouldn’t you want to work out more?
Exercise for weight loss in particular is not something that is easy and is certainly not going to happen overnight. It’s a goal that must start small and increase over time. Be sure that you take this into consideration with your own New Year’s resolution. If your goal is to run a half-marathon, start small. If you have not run at all in the last few months or even years, it will be best for your body (and your motivation) for you to start small and gradually increase the distance that you run. If your goal is to lose weight, one pound a week is realistic, whereas losing 10-15 in a few months is unrealistic and unhealthy. Having clear but incremental goals that lead to a larger end result can help encourage you and keep you focused.
Another thing to take into consideration when you are striving to reach your goal is that you can easily burn yourself out by doing the same activity everyday. Try to alternate your activities, incorporate friends and enjoy the things that you do to be healthy and fit. If you typically run or walk alone, ask friends to join you or try going to a fitness class.
Although we envision our resolutions coming to reality, there are often obstacles along the way, such as not having access to a gym or being too busy. Our Fitness Planner takes this into consideration and will help you to identify whether or not you’re getting the ideal amount and type of physical activity for you, recommend activities that will help you to better reach your goals, and allow you to establish personal achievements for yourself. Whether your goal this year is to get in better shape or simply live a healthier lifestyle, Meals Matter has resources that can help you along the way, so try out our Fitness Planner today.