WEIGHT LOSS

If you’ve procrastinated on your New Year’s resolution to lose weight and get in better shape, here’s your second chance. Spring is actually the best time of the year to kick off a workout plan (not too hot, not to cold, just right), so put the warmer weather to good use and get with your program!

1. Make Your Workout Program Fun, Not a Chore.

Concentrate on what you really enjoy doing. Like to run? Run by yourself, with a friend or with a club. Prefer at-home exercise? Workout with a fitness DVD or, if finances allow, a personal trainer. Power walking, stationary bikes, stair–climbers… concentrate on whatever  gives you the most fun.

2. Make a Specific Plan.

Whether created by yourself or a trainer, a specific plan can help you define your goals and stick to your program. Start slow and build as you go!

3. Keep a Progress Journal.

This allows you to see how far you’ve come and determine how far you want to go. It’s surprising how encouraging it is to see the progress you’ve made – and everyone can use that kind of incentivizing boost!

4. Get a Support System.

Whether it’s a workout partner or supportive spouse, family or friends, it’s much easier to stick to your program when you know you have people following your progress and cheering for your success.

5. Find Your Perfect Gym

If a gym is your thing, make sure you find one that you’ll enjoy going to every day. The environment you choose for your daily workouts can make all the difference in the world. Make sure it’s somewhere you WANT to go to for your work-outs, not have to.

6. Be Realistic with Your Goals.

Set achievable goals in a realistic time frame. That way you won’t get frustrated when don’t live up to your own  hard-to-reach  objectives. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will you.

7. Get Comfortable/Appropriate Attire

Choose clothes that will help your help your workouts, not hinder them. And remember to invest in a good pair of athletic shoes, appropriate to your chosen program.  Get fitted by a professional and let them know how you intend to use them.

8. Keep a Good Attitude

Some day’s workouts will be better than others, Don’t get discouraged, Just remember that the more you stick to your program, the easier and more effective they’ll become – and the results will follow.

9. Rethink Your Diet

The start of a workout program is a perfect time to start a healthier eating program as well. Get rid of foods with low nutritional value or high calorie content. Think protein, fruits and vegetables! It’s challenging at first, but pays off major dividends in the long run.

10. Don’t Forget to Stretch

The most effective way to avoid injuries is to always stretch before and after workouts. Warm up your muscles with 10-15 minutes of light cardio exercises, followed by dynamic stretching  (lunges, tow touches, twisting side-to-side).