By Jason Kuhn - owner of Destin Fitness Boot Camps

 

 

 

In a matter of weeks 1 out of 2 people will set out to do something great, something challenging, something that will quite possibly improve the quality of their life tenfold, if they stick with it to the end. What is this rewarding task that all too often ends in failure? It's a fitness-themed new-year's resolution.

 

 

 

Whether that means eating healthier, starting an exercise plan or just plain weight loss all too often these half-hazard resolutions are nothing more than proposed fitness dreams - hopes of accomplishments - never to see the light of fulfillment.

 

 

 

According to a recent study 1 out of every 4 resolution seekers will drop out after just the first week. That number climbs to 1 out of 2 after the first month. Why is it that fitness-resolution seekers seem to drop like flies onto flypaper, never to see their goal come to fruition?

 

 

 

Let's dive into a plan that will help you last with your fitness resolution past Valentine's Day, and give you a fighting chance to stick with it to the end of the year and beyond.

 

 

 

Okay it's January 1st, you set your resolution, you want to lose 20 pounds, now what? Do you just wake up each day hoping your weight will just go away – vanish – wham it's gone. Or do you take action toward your fitness resolution knowing that it will require effort and discipline – for both nutrition and exercise.

 

 

 

Just setting a fitness resolution one time will not do anything for you, it's not a quick fix. If all you do is set it, maybe you even write it down, but then file it away in a drawer never to be seen again - that's a fitness wish, not a goal. A goal is something you take action toward – consistently - every day – keeping the positive outcome on the top of your mind.

 

 

 

Taking action doesn't mean going a total 180, going from pathetic to perfect for a week then giving up because your burned out. It means making smaller changes, 1 at a time. Added up week after week to eventually create the whole picture of fitness.

 

 

 

To get started break up your picture of fitness into less intimidating – bite size action steps. Making gradual and permanent changes that you will maintain forever. Here's a quick example: Are you familiar with the Chinese language? Did you know there are over 2,000 Chinese characters used in writing? What if I was to say you have to learn to write and speak Chinese and I want it done by next week. That's the same as losing 50 or 100 pounds by next week, then quitting if you don't reach that goal because of discouragement.

 

 

 

Take that same scenario, learn one Chinese character a day for 6 days, then review them all on the 7th. Repeat that pattern each week until you learn the language. While it would certainly take longer you would surely get it done. Apply that to fitness and you'll see that even if you lose just ½ pound each week, you would still lose 26 pounds in a year. It's all about consistency and staying on track for the long haul.

 

 

 

As you go through the year you're sure to get discouraged, no matter how motivated you were when you started. Here's another tip - don't do it on your own. Have a positive support system. In a study of beginning exercisers when people were held accountable they were 20 times more likely to stick with their fitness plan 6 months down the road. A family member, friend or coach can be a great help encouraging you along your goals and giving you the discipline and accountability that you need.

 

 

 

In the end only 20% of fitness resolution seekers follow through with their goals. While you can't wave a magic wand and make your resolution come true, you can make your mind up to stick with your resolution through the thick and thin of discouragement and burn-out and guarantee you reach your resolution.

 

Coach Jason Kuhn is a Destin based fitness expert and weight loss coach. It is his personal mission to improve the health of people by exposing them to the lies of the weight-loss industry, while teaching them the correct way to integrate fitness into their busy lifestyles. Contact Coach Jason Kuhn owner of Destin Fitness Boot Camps and Destin Personal Trainer at (850) 687-4681, or via email at destinpersonaltrainer@yahoo.com