Winter Garden Magazine September 2014 | Page 23

Healthy Living Advice from the Fitness in the Temple Guru Jason Grimes Are you currently struggling with fulfilling your fitness goals? Don’t be discouraged. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track. Choose an attainable goal Resolving to look like a fitness magazine spread is not realistic for most of us, but promising to include daily physical activity in our lives is very possible. Choosing an over all long-term goal is the big picture hanging on the wall, but the short-term goal (a wallet-size photograph) will allow us to make achievements on a daily basis. Simple activity such as walking or biking is a great start to improving your health and leading you to a better quality of life. asking those you trust and respect to hold you accountable and keeping you mindful of your plans and goals, or writing down & posting pictures of the rewards you’re working to attain. Reward yourself with each milestone Take time each month to treat yourself to something special for reaching your goal. But, be careful that your reward is within reason. Don’t flush your fitness earning by overeating or choosing foods that will pack the pounds back on. In exchange for the backsliding food choices, treat yourself to a professional massage or spa day. Your new physique will appreciate it! Conquering statistics Write down your fitness goals and make them clear. All forms of success begin with a plan. Think about it, thought about it, forget about it will never bring you positive results. Make a realistic fitness plan for one year in monthly intervals and goals. Evaluate your progress at the six-month mark. If you are not near your target, then make the necessary adjustments without getting discouraged. Stick to it and make it happen! On average, approximately 20% of us complete the fitness journey we set for ourselves. Some of the biggest downfalls are seeking to achieve unrealistic goals too quickly. Don’t get caught up in the quick fads, there is no easy way to a lifestyle of health and fitness except for embracing commitment. No matter how true statistics may be you don’t have to be on the negative end of the chart. By following the tips above, you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20% category. Remember, a year will pass whether you get started or not so maintain and embrace the results you deserve. Make contingency plans You don’t have to go at it alone Create a plan Never make the assumption or conclude that sticking to your plan will be easy. Prepare for hitting pot holes along the highway of fitness and be prepared with concrete ways to overcome them. Ask yourself in advance what will keep you from skipping your workout or stop you from indulging and yielding to your sweet tooth? This may mean Get professional assistance and remember that the greatest achievers did not accomplish their goals by themselves. Personal trainers and nutrition experts can assure you a safe, well-planned and motivated fitness path. Whichever method you choose, stick to it and see it through to a successful end! SEPTEMBER 2014  |  WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE   |  23