New Years Fitness Resolutions

We all know that exercise benefits range from illness prevention weight reduction and to feeling feel better about ourselves. Most do understand this, which is why almost everyone has some sort of New Year's resolution related to fitness. So, here are four simple fitness tips to start you off for the new year!

1. Start small
One of the reasons it is difficult to stick to New Year's Resolutions is because we generally bite off more than we can chew. When you are trying to exercise every day, and cut out sweets, and eat more vegetables, and drink more water… it can become daunting! Try picking only ONE goal to work on for the month of February, and allow yourself to concentrate on just that one goal. Then, choose a different goal in March. This is more realistic, and makes it easier to be successful. Remember, you have 12 months to work towards your goals… you don’t have to achieve everything in 12 days!

2. Bend, reach, play, push, pull, squat
One of the best ways to help control your weight is to simply make sure you include more activity during your day. Try getting in and out of your chair (chair squats) 10 times every time the phone rings, or take all your phone calls while pacing your office (instead of sitting down), or set your watch alarm to remind you to do a set of toe touches every 30 minutes. Taking the stairs (instead of the elevators) or wrestling with your kids (or dog!) burns more calories than you might imagine. It all adds up! The people who have the easiest time managing their weight are often NOT the most avid exercisers, but simply the most active during the day.

3. Sleep
Most people simply don’t get enough sleep each night, and it makes it much more difficult to keep active during the day. A good night’s sleep can do wonders to help keep you energised and on your toes. It will also help give you the energy you need at night to take that 10 minute walk after dinner that always seems so difficult to do when you are tired and sleepy.

4. Drink Water
Water will help keep you feeling energised, help control your appetite and do wonders for your skin and body before, during and after you workout. Try filling up a big bottle of water in the morning, and carry it with you throughout the day. Do your best to finish the entire bottle before you go to bed, and keep track of how much water you are drinking each day. The more water you drink, the more you will WANT to drink.
Source: IDEA Health & Fitness Association.