A Fitness Plan that Sticks

It’s hardly going out on a limb to say most folks who set New Year’s resolutions year after year put getting in shape high on the list. The emphasis being on year after year. Getting fit is a whole lot easier said than done. Fitness should become a part of your life, not a chore. The key to making that healthy transition is to workout well.

Here’s where you start:

Start slowly. Try taking a few walks before beginning a running program. Go easy on the weights until your muscles build up. Build on it.

Burn belly fat. Cardiovascular workouts are the key to losing your mid-section. Interval training (short bursts of intense activity followed by active recovery/rest) is one of the most effective means of cardio. Plus there’s the added bonus that intervals cause your body to continue burning calories and fat long after your workout.

Don’t forget strength training. Building muscle helps burn as much as 15 times more calories per day, even when you are not exercising. Plus it helps increase bone strength.
Get a workout buddy. Find someone with similar goals. It’s a lot more difficult to quit or slack off when you’re in it with someone else.

Set goals. Start with short-term goals and set a deadline in which you’d like to reach that goal. Whether your goal is to lose 10 pounds or fit into those size 8 jeans, or just to tone up, set that date and when you reach that goal, reward yourself with some new clothes or your favorite meal. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t meet those goals, but look back at what accomplishments you have made and then make adjustments.

Take pictures. Take a picture of yourself in swimsuit and after four weeks, take another and compare. Seeing the results in a picture is an excellent motivational tool.

Plan your workouts. When you make a plan to go running or lift some weights, you are more likely to actually do them, so sit down and plan when and what workouts you want to do for a whole week and then do them!

—Angie Schumacher of Longmont’s Building a Better You (303.746.1432)

So check out these great tips, then email us by Jan. 15 for a chance to win the services of these professionals. Be sure to explain why you are the person who deserves these great services.
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