Inspiration

By Christine King, MES

Why is the New Year the time most people make their resolutions? It’s the one day of the year that we can start fresh. It’s a new beginning. A New Year brings the inspiration to look better, feel better and change your life for the better.

As the months pass, however, many of us don’t stick to our New Year’s Resolutions, particularly those relating to health and fitness. Although there are many reasons for this, the underlying cause is that we lose our inspiration.

This year in my monthly column I’m going to help keep you inspired and show you many ways to live your Life…Only Better. So let’s get started!

First, set realistic goals. If you haven’t been active in a while, easing into a fitness program is essential. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Trying to do too much too soon will leave you sore, tired, and discouraged. You can begin with just 15 minutes of activity, 3 times per week, and see results. No kidding!

Your current fitness level will determine what you do during those 15 minutes. Let me give you an example for a beginner. (Note: Please consult your doctor prior to beginning any type of physical activity.)
 

• Walk for 5 minutes.

• Go home and sit in a chair.

• Stand up and sit down in that chair for one minute.

• Take one soup can in each hand, raise up over your head for one minute.

• Repeat the chair and soup cans.

• Lie on your bed for one minute with your knees bent, feet on the bed, and raise your hips up and down.
   

There you are, 15 minutes!

Second, every little bit counts! Something is better than nothing. So often, people have the mind set of “why bother, this won’t make a difference.” Well, nothing could be farther from the truth.
Small changes like parking your car further away, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or skipping that extra chocolate make a difference. Even if you only have 5 minutes instead of 15 for activity, everything adds up. These small changes will help you to live your Life…Only Better!

Third, there are many sources of inspiration available to you to help keep you going. Look to your 90 year old neighbor who walks every morning, or your friend who is coping with a disease or injury who keeps active and independent. Look also to your family. If you don’t take care of yourself, how will you take care of them? For many, these are great sources of motivation and inspiration.

So let’s begin the New Year on the right foot (literally!). Start slow, do what you can, and over time, add to your activity level. It really is that simple. The results you achieve from adopting these new habits will act as building blocks. As you begin to experience subtle changes, you’ll find yourself motivated to do more. Before you know it you’re well on your way to looking better, feeling better and living your Life…Only Better. But remember nothing changes until something changes!

Christine King, MES, creator of Get Fit!, Florida’s First Functional Training Studio can be reached at Christine@LifeOnlyBetter.com  and (561) 272-6618 for questions and information on fitness related issues.
You can also visit our studio at 1060 S. Federal Hwy., Ste. 100, Delray Beach.