Oh no, it’s that time of the year, after Christmas and before the New Year that we review the past year and set new goals for the New Year. This time can be special, because we really have time to think what we did and what we would like to change. This can be refreshing and motivating, but also demotivating and tiring, since we all know how hard it is to change habits. Don’t be too hard on yourself, changes do not happen from one day to the next, it takes time. Be gentle, and access whether you really want to 100% support your resolution. Just because it is January and everyone does them, doesn’t mean it’s the right time for you to change habits.

And, who would have guessed, health and fitness is at top of the list of resolutions every year. Other popular ones are to improve time management, spend more time with friends and family, quit smoking, work on yourself, etc.

I want to concentrate on the health and fitness resolutions. Once you have decided that you really want to improve your body condition, the next question would be:
How? Do you like the fitness studio or gym, or can you actually achieve your goal doing outdoor activities or training at home. Many people do not like the gym and in times of financial restrictions, let’s look at other alternatives.

1. Get a dog! The dog will make you commit to go walking at least twice a day. Take your family with you.

2. If you have a young child, purchase a baby stroller which allows you to go off road. The Britax Vigour 3 is a fabulous stroller for sporty activities with your child.

3. Join a charity organisation which cleans up public areas and parks on a regular basis. Prepare yourself, get some nice outdoor gear and sunglasses while helping out your community. By helping others, you are helping yourself.

4. Get yourself some wheels, but only two. The  Apollo Mountain Bike is the perfect mode of transport to explore your surroundings. People every year travel from far to see the UK countryside. Take your family with you and organise some nice outings for the weekend. With the rain it’s sometimes not that easy to continue to keep your exercise  schedule. To avoid the gym, and avoid getting soaked, get a magnetic exercise bike for home. No excuses anymore, do some riding while watching your favourite soaps. The York Magair Rowing Machine is another great alternative.

5. Join your local soccer club. After all, 2010 is a Soccer World Cup year. Motivate yourself by getting new Adidas Soccer Boots, swing by your club and see whether they need some more players. You meet new people and play sports at the same time.

Good luck with your resolutions. The tips above will turn you from a coach potato into a fit and active person and in December 2010 you will not have the same resolution anymore. Happy New Year!

Did you know…?

As little as 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week can start to improve your physical fitness and health. Once you do exercises and sports on regular basis it becomes like a second nature and at the end of the year you will miss your non-exercise days. It really becomes a lifestyle change.

-maricki

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