18 Feb 2013 Keep the flame alive
by Karl Lenser
This is the critical time of the year for many of those who have begun to implement personal fitness resolutions and plans for 2013. Statistics show that more than 50 percent of those who made a fitness-related resolution back in late December have already failed.
For reasons that may be impossible to categorize, many individuals seem to lose the fire, zeal and passion that they had back in early January. The workouts may have become too boring, or perhaps the muscular system has begun to rebel due to the demands that may have been placed on it.
Sore muscles from the “weekend warrior/too-much-too-soon” syndrome can easily deter one from sticking to a workout routine. Many simply do not like to move their body and are more comfortable on a couch watching TV.
It is unfortunate that many people fall victim to the Resolution Monster that is omnipresent during the first 4-6 weeks of January/February.
However, there are several simple strategies that one can use to help maintain the consistency that is so crucial in getting fit and healthy.
1. Begin an exercise journal.
Get into the habit of recording your workouts after each one. What did you do and for how many minutes? How many calories did you burn? How did you feel that day? Follow the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple . . .) principle so you don’t create a fitness thesis. Recording your workout on your computer or even on a calendar helps to reinforce the fact that you did the workout and you didn’t skip! VICTORY!
2. If possible, find a group fitness class that fits your schedule and abilities.
The power behind group fitness is incredible! I have taught indoor cycling (“Spinning”) for 10 years and have been impressed with the dedication and loyalty that these (and all group classes) exhibit in members. There definitely is “strength in numbers.”
3. Plan for action.
Look at your calendar on Sunday and make an appointment with yourself to exercise throughout the week. Write it down on your calendar as you would a lunch date or dentist appointment. The chances for failure are accelerated greatly without proper planning. Make fitness a priority!
4. Rewards are good.
Treat yourself to something after you have reached a goal, maybe a massage or some new workout clothing. Little rewards can help keep you motivated.
5. Consistency wins.
If you had a bad week and could not exercise much, don’t give up or say that you “blew it last week.” Pick it up the next week and get back into your routine. Setbacks from traveling, illnesses and other sources will occur, but you have to stay positive and maintain the discipline and desire to succeed in your fitness goals.
A Conway resident, Karl Lenser is the director of wellness programs at Hendrix College. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. An accomplished runner, he can be reached at [email protected].
