COACH STACY'S HEALTHY U

Now that we’ve rung in the New Year, it’s time to write out the Resolutions.   Instead of “Happy New Year,” let’s embark on a “Healthy New Year.”  But be wary of setting Biggie-sized resolutions.  Why?  To avoid setting yourself up for certain failure.  Research shows that six out of ten people quit their health clubs after the first 30 days of membership.  Here are some guidelines for establishing goals geared for success:

• Start with “Bite-Sized” resolutions.  For example, “Get my body in shape” is very broad and ambiguous.  You need to break this goal down.  Perhaps your stomach is a problem area.  Start in January by working on your abs and getting your 10,000 steps in.

• Next you need to equip yourself with the necessities for carrying out your goals.  Join a gym, if necessary, or purchase some basic exercise gear.

• Establish a support group for yourself – find some workout buddies, or involve your family and friends in your exercise quest.

• Map out an entire year’s worth of healthy habits that you can do alone or with the help of your support group.  Choose activities that are enjoyable and attainable – also, include both physical and nutritional elements, as well as spiritual and mental components. Maybe even do some events that are fitness related.  For example, my monthly resolutions look like this:

• January – Cut the “junk” and move to the tune of at least 10,000 steps per day, five days per week at my local recreation center. Shovel snow!
• February – Go snowshoeing on the weekends, recreation center weekdays and increase my water intake.
• March – Focus on my abs and back and increase my fruit intake. Get a facial!
• April – Spend time doing indoor circuit training in my gym and cut my sugar intake.
• May – Get arms and legs in shape through gardening and eat more greens.
• June – Explore outdoor trails on my bike and grill veggies on the barbecue.
• July – Explore hiking trails near my home and increase my fiber intake.
• August – Play tennis with my workout buddy and avoid processed foods.
• September – Enjoy daily walks in my neighborhood and try assorted melons.
• October – Explore hiking trails in the mountains while enjoying the fall foliage and eat pumpkin seeds and nuts.
• November – Indoor circuit training in preparation for holiday overload! Look into recipes for healthy treats to serve for the holidays.
• December – Get a massage, relax and savor the goodies – get my cardio in while shopping. Pace myself at the holiday buffet parties.

You’ll find that when goals are attainable and somewhat enjoyable, you’re much more likely to stick with your resolutions.  Just remember one thing:  When you’re moving, you’re improving.  That’s a guarantee.