A Free New Year's Resolution

Each year millions of Americans make a New Year's resolution to try to loose weight through diet and exercise. Many of these resolution makers will spend hundred of dollars buying new exercise equipment, only to have it languish away in the basement after a few weeks of service. One of the best times to get your hands on used exercise equipment is at neighborhood garage sales during the early spring, as many feature "good as new" equipment being offered at good prices.

Developing a healthy lifestyle requires zero investment. For most, a simple daily walk or jog around the block is all that is required to improve your overall fitness. You will not have the immediate effect of losing 10 pounds a month as some quick loss diet fads advertise. But you will increase muscle tone, and the health of your heart. A daily walk or run, coupled with a slight or modest decrease in your daily intake in calories is all you need. Sometimes, just cutting out soft drinks or the fast food fries is all you need. In a healthy weight loss program, you should lose no more than a pound a week. That seems like a small number, but if you stick to this modest schedule for just one year that will add up to 50 pounds!

By slowly working into your New Year's Resolution exercise routine, your body will have time to adjust to your new lifestyle. You are less apt to get injured, and in the long run, more likely to stick to your resolution.

In northern climates, getting out in the cold can be a challenge, and some protection from the elements is needed. If you are completely new to running, then it is not necessary to run out and by the latest and greatest (and expensive), cold weather technical clothing. Remember that you are going to start out your new exercise program slowly, thus you will not likely be spending a a lot of time in the elements at the start of the program. A simple pair of long underwear and sweat pants for the lower half, along with a few extra layers of clothing for the upper body will be sufficient. An outer shell that wards off the wind will be helpful.

Later as you progress into your running program, then breathable socks and outerwear will be a better option, and you will likely need to spend a little cash. Many running advocates insist on a good pair of shoes. The stinky sneakers in the back of your closet may serve their purpose to get you started, but it would be a good idea to research a good pair of exercise shoes if you plan of running for any prolonged period.

When you are out on your walk, avoid the snow and mud as best as possible. This will help keep your feet dry, and you will avoid possible injury. Many joggers like early morning runs, first thing of the day, to get in their dose so it can be forgotten about for the remainder of the day. In the winter it is much colder, during the morning hours, so it make for a more enjoyable run during the late afternoon just heat of the day lapses.

Make that big New Year's resolution to lose weight, into a small one. A minor adjustment to your diet and a daily walk will lead to a much better year, guaranteed!