Fall into Fitness
Brian September 1st, 2009
If you have been watching the rising tide at the Jersey shore all summer instead of hitting the gym you are probably also watching your rising waist line. Time to get back on the exercise horse and start training again. Here are a few quick tips to get you motivated and back in shape.
Set a goal for the week and month:
Set these goals based on your longer term fitness goals. If you want to run a half marathon or even a 10k set a certain number of miles to run per week and per month. If you are trying to lose weight set a certain number of pounds to lose per week and per month (don’t set such a lofty goal that it can’t be attained; 1-2 pounds per week or 10 lbs. per month is attainable for most). If strength is your goal, look to add a certain amount per month; weekly gains may be too incremental to notice unless you have been away from training for a long time.
How do you want to look or perform?
Positive imagery is a great way to inspire and motivate. If you have a picture of yourself when you were in great shape, and want to attain this level again, put it on your refrigerator. Having it in your face every day will be a constant reminder of why you are training. It also has the added benefit of guarding against late night binges and raids on the refrigerator. If someone else inspires you put up his/her picture.
Put on clothes which you haven’t worn for a while
This is a great equalizer in the battle against denial. The scale may not show much of a change, but your clothes will not be so forgiving. If you have lost muscle and gained some flab your clothes will let you know exactly where.