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2004/09/17, 06:23 PM
Found this on the net today.... I guess it's more of just a reminder of what we already know
Plan, set reasonable goals for fitness improvement
By EUGENIE JONES
Scripps Howard News Service
August 11, 2004
- Setting goals is an indispensable part of getting fit. When we take the time to plan and set goals, we give ourselves something to work toward and can measure improvement. Best of all, we give ourselves reason to celebrate.
These are all good incentives to set goals and equally good reasons to set, write, and follow our goals. Of course every fitness goal starts with "go,'' but before you "ready,'' "set'' or "go,'' here are some considerations to help you set your goals wisely and better ensure your fitness success.
- Know why you've failed in previous efforts to get or stay in shape. Understanding what mistakes you've made - whacky diets, a lack of exercise or not enough know-how - will better prepare you to both devise and follow through with wiser fitness techniques this time around. Write down the top three reasons your last fitness program didn't work and then write down what you'll do this time to avoid those same pitfalls.
- Don't plan to do more than what is reasonable and feasible. Goals like planning to survive on a 1,000 calorie diet, exercising two hours a day every day, or never eating chocolate again for the rest of your life can be a bit over the top. Extreme measures just don't work over the long haul.
If you're working to lose weight and get fit through changes that you can't safely adhere to for a lifetime, then you've chosen the wrong plan. Always be moderate in your exercise habits and as each week goes by gradually walk a little farther, lift a bit more weight or swim a little longer. Equally important is eating a sensible diet that is balanced and full of variety, and one that occasionally allows even chocolate.
- Be willing to change. You can't lose weight while daily consuming pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. You can't develop a lean, fit body while not being willing to exercise regularly. Some behaviors just cannot mutually co-exist. You've got to be willing to modify, change or completely abandon some of the things you've done in the past. Hopefully, you'll decide that these old behaviors are not more important than the new fitness goals you've set for yourself. From that point of realization, change is very possible.
- Expect to lose an occasional battle. Healthy dietary habits and an active lifestyle are definitely not the paths of least resistance. Unless you're perfect - which none of us truly are - you're going to fail from time to time. Don't be totally derailed by this. If you're following a solid exercise and dietary plan in the first place, all you have to do is recognize that you've made a mistake, decide how you'll avoid that mistake in the future, and then get right back to following your plan.
- Support your decision. Sometimes it's hard to muster motivation to do what's best - not necessarily easiest - all by yourself. You can find help in weight-loss support groups, health and fitness magazines, online chat rooms or even with a workout buddy. While it's true that only you can be responsible for you, outside support for your healthier lifestyle can be a very welcoming source of encouragement. Taken as a whole, these goal guidelines will help you not only get off to a great start, they'll also help you reach the fitness finish of your heart's desire.
(Certified personal trainer and fitness instructor Eugenie Jones writes for The Sun in Bremerton, Wash. Reach her by e-mail at eugeniek(at)attbi.com or online at www.ejonesfitness.com.)
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I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle
You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
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