This is the year you're going to do it! The gym is already buzzing with resolutioners and they are ready to make it happen. The regulars are rolling their eyes as they wait for their favorite piece of cardio, or that piece of equipment they need.
We start out too ambitious. We do way too much too soon. We start out full speed ahead and the reality is we cannot sustain it. In order to become a regular we have to make lasting changes. And sometimes that means slow changes.
Making lasting changes means small changes. It means changes appropriate for you. If you've been parked on the couch for the past few months/years etc. starting a cardiovascular program at a duration of 45 minutes isn't going to work for you. We might start at 5 minutes.
When we can do 5 minutes five times a week, we might increase the time to 8 minutes. As we gain success with this we might add another component. It might seem silly to come to the gym for a 10 minute workout but we are practicing our success.
The point is that a successful plan is a multi-stepped, progressive and personalized program. It takes time to establish new habits. You want to want more...not to feel burned out on your workout.
Come January, most of us are beginners all over again. Sustaining a 60 minute class, or a full circuit workout may not be realistic for us. We end up feeling frustrated that we can't do it. Well it's no wonder! We're beginners, and we need a beginner plan. We need 5 or 10 minutes. We need to work up to 15 minutes. Can you see the success being built?
So it's no wonder you weren't able to make it stick last year. You tried too much, way too soon. Take a slower approach, you've got plenty of time. Get a trainer at the gym to help you with a plan that is going to work for you. This is the year you're going to finish what you start!
