Resolutions smezolutions

One of the most common New Years resolutions made by people is fitness related. They want to lose weight, tone up, get in shape, get huge, etc, etc... But the fact of the matter is that a majority of these people will not follow through with their resolutions. Most give up a few weeks after the new year has started. I've seen it year after year. Walk into any commercial gym during the first few weeks of January and the place is packed. Every treadmill has someone trudging along on it. Every 'weight' machine is being used. Every step class, or kick boxing class, or spin class is full. The freeweight section is... empty... but that's not surprising. But if you walk into that same gym in the middle of February then it's a completely different story.

Here are my top 4 reasons why people give up on their resolutions.

1. Working out is hard! That's right, it's hard. And when it's done properly, it hurts! At first anyway. I know more than one person who paid over $700 each for gym memberships only to stop going within the first week. Why? Because they were sore. Whaaa... Suck it up Nancy! Pain is temporary. Health is perminent.

2. Lack of results. In an age of instant gratification people expect results now, not tomorrow. They go to the gym for a couple weeks and quit after not losing 20 pounds like they do on the Biggest Loser. Weight loss like that usually doesn't happen in the real world. When people tell me they're quitting after a few weeks because they're not getting closer to their goal my usual reply is, "You didn't get fat overnight."

3. Excuses. Excuses are like buttholes. Everyone has one and they all stink. "I don't have time." "I don't like to exercise." "I don't have the right equipment." If you can think of it, I've probably heard it... and it's usually coming from someone who spends hours sitting on the couch, watching TV, and stuffing their face.

4. They don't have a clue what they're doing. I've seen people literally walk in the gym, get the deer in the headlights look, and walk right back out.

You may be wondering why I only gave you my top 4 reasons. Well, I think 4 reasons are plenty. In my opinion, 1 reason is too many. Do any of these sound familiar to you? Have you made a resolution to get fit but let it fall by the wayside? Don't fret... here are my top 4 ways to stick to your resolutions.

1. Make SMART goals. SMART stand for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time framed.

Specific - Instead of making broad goals, make them specific. Instead of "Losing weight", say "Lose 10 pounds by June".

Measurable - Goals need to be measurable. Break down your specific goal into smaller, measurable goals. If your goal is to lose 10 pounds by June, break it down by month. If you start today, you have to lose 2 pounds per month. Track your progress and make the changes necessary to meet your goal.

Achievable - Don't make unrealistic goals. If you're goal is unachievable, you're setting yourself up for failure and will likely stop working towards your goal.

Realistic - Don't expect more than you can deliver. Losing 30 pounds in a month is not realistic. But losing 6 pounds in a month is. I think this is where most people fall short. They have unrealistic ideas of what can be accomplished.

Time framed - Set a realistic time frame. Don't just say "I want this by the end of the year." While that is a time frame, it leaves too much room for chance. Make monthly, quarterly, or even weekly goals. "My goal is to work out 3 times this week."

2. Educate yourself. Read a book, go to a seminar, hire a trainer. If you opt for a trainer, still make sure that you have some exercise and nutrition based knowledge and don't necessarilly take the trainer's word as gospel. I have it on good authority that 90% of trainers suck. Luckily, the WWFS trainers do not.

3. Find your motivation. Do you have a reunion coming up? Do you want to be around to play with your grandchildren? Do you have a competition coming up? How long has it been since you've seen your own penis? Find your motivation and use it to fuel your workout.

4. Stick to it. Remember... Rome wasn't built in a day, and you didn't get fat overnight.