2011 Fitness Goals Should Be Realistic

2011 just came knocking on your door and you aren't even sure where 2010 went; especially when it comes to New Year's resolutions and goals that you promised to keep. It's happened to nearly everyone. The list begins with two or three goals and picks up momentum to end in a list the length of your arm but you only follow through on a few of them.

If exercising was one of last year's goals and you didn't accomplish what you set out to do then perhaps it's time to add it to your new resolutions but with a different outlook and careful planning. You already know it takes time out of your day to go to the gym and sometimes you're just not in the mood but that's no excuse. If you're adding an exercise program to your New Year's resolutions keep your goals realistic to maximize your results and to make good on an overdue goal. If you keep the goals realistic you'll be able to follow through with fewer slip ups and less guilt.

Scheduling

Although it's a great goal to head to the gym five times a week it's not always feasible. You may have classes, work and kids or all three and fitting a daily trip to the gym seems overwhelming and disheartening. Setting your schedule with an extensive amount of training but only going once a week can make you feel like your failing on your resolutions. Instead of winging it; create a schedule that allows for two or three "for sure" days and anything after is golden.

Dedicate Time

Although you've planned to make it to the gym three times a week it is best to decide before hand how much time you can allot to training for that day. If you know you only have thirty minutes to get in a workout perhaps there is another day in your schedule best suited to train. Thirty minutes is ample to work out but feeling rushed during the work out can leave you feeling as if you didn't get all the benefits out of your session.

Gradual Changes

You jumped in head first and decided to do three weight training and four cardio sessions, as well as, three Zumba classes a week and can't understand why your body feels like it's been hit by a Mac-truck. Some changes are best done gradually. This does not mean you can't do all of these activities but for the first month or so you'll physically feel better by taking it slow. Extreme soreness and being overly tired can inhibit you from doing other activities and that's not the point of adding exercise to your goals.

Source: Experience