HOW TO KEEP YOUR FITNESS RESOLUTIONS:

#1. MAKE FITNESS A PRIORITY AND RE-ADJUST YOUR MINDSET - It’s not that hard to do. First of all, think of fitness as something that must be fit in. Take a moment to list all the things you’re doing now that you make time for and ask yourself how important they are to your happiness. Are they more important than creating the body you want? To further solidify my commitment to improving my body I also found it helpful to write down my short term and long term goals as well as what I planned to do to accomplish them. Remember, failing to plan is the same as planning to fail.

#2 GIVE YOURSELF SOMETHING TANGIBLE TO FOCUS ON - A tangible manifestation of your resolution could involve joining a gym or purchasing some inexpensive home exercise equipment, like free weights and a bench.

#3. TAKE PHOTOS - No matter how out of shape you think you are, take a “before” photo prior to beginning your workout regimen and schedule to take additional snapshots every two weeks until you reach your goal. Nothing beats it when it comes to keeping your mind on your goal. It provides a starting point and bi-weekly reminders of your progress. I find it difficult to notice improvements on a day to day basis, which wreaks havoc on my motivation. When I compare periodic photos and notice the benefits of my efforts, however, I feel much more satisfied and strengthen my resolve.

#4. GET LEFTOVERS & BINGE FOODS OUT OF THE HOUSE - If you have lots of hi-carb and hi-fat holiday goodies still lingering around, carry a little Christmas generosity into the new year and donate them to the needy. Knowing these treats are at arms reach can make late night refrigerator raids too tempting. Knowing I have to do my “cheat” eating outside of the house stops me from acting on impulse; instead, it gives me that necessary moment to think and make a conscious decision as to whether or not it’s worth the trip. Keep in mind that as long as you make good eating the rule and cheating the exception, one day of indulgence should have little to no visible negative effect on many good days.

#5. TRY A SUPPLEMENT - Unless you already have the basic building blocks of an effective workout and meal plan in place I really don’t recommend jumping on the heavily advertised supplement bandwagon. Keep in mind that supplements are just that - “supplements” - and not “substitutes” for a proper training and nutrition program.

Think of building your body like building a house. Your workout and nutrition programs are your “foundation” and “walls.” Supplements represent your “accessories,” furniture, paintings, etc. Remember that analogy. If you’ve been following a bodybuilding/fitness lifestyle for a while now and have reached a plateau in your current routine, the addition of a fat burning and/or muscle building supplement may renew your enthusiasm as.

JOHN BASEDOW