It's December 31st. The time from late-November until now has been full of non-stop food funneling not unlike Adam Richmond on Man vs. Food; heck, Travel Channel could do a show on YOU after the last month and a half. Groggy, bloated and scavenging for food is no way to go through life, you realize. Whatever shall you do?
Never fear, Webb the Fitness Guy is here, and I've got a few tips to help you create, stick to, and succeed in working out in the new year.
Do it. Do it. Do it. No more debating. More than 50% of all exercise newbies drop out before the first two weeks, if they get anywhere at all. Get out of the contemplation stage and dive head-first into the action. Your mindset will be key to the success of your staying active. So just do it. Drive down to the gym, the park, or Modell's and lift, jog and equip yourself for success.
Tell your friends, your mother, your wife, your parole officer...tell everyone of your plans. "Yeah, I was thinkin' 'bout joinin' a gym..maybe get down there a few times-a-week and get in better shape." Once you tell people, they'll expect you to do it; better yet, they'll expect you to look slimmer or stronger the next time they see you. Now you're accountable, and unless you want to look like a liar, you'll stay true to your word.
Recruit. The gym is not an army of one; it's a community of people working to better themselves, helping each other and cheering each other on every step of the way. Adhering to a program is more successful by leaps and bounds if you work out with someone. Bring a buddy, your girlfriend, boyfriend, or make friends at the gym. Trust me, having someone yelling "PUSH IT! PUSH IT!" will leave you no choice but...to push it.
Pick up a pen, put it to paper, form words. Tracking your progress and comparing it with a) where you would like to be in relation to your goals, or b) your buddies or bodybuilders you admire will keep your eyes on the prize and your mind focused. Write down your progress in the gym, on the track and in the kitchen. That way you will have a reference point to improve from and can update your goals as needed.
Live it up, but in moderation, please. Don't cut yourself out of the fun of a normal life; go out, go on a date, roll in the mud (maybe that last one doesn't apply to everyone). Just be temperate. Over-indulgence in alcohol, no matter what Homer Simpson says, is never a good thing for your body. Recovering muscles need water, clean food, and rest.
So get off your laptop and get out there! There's a whole world out there waiting for you to take advantage of it, and unlike that cute girl at the New Year's party, the world can't wait for you to wrap your arms around and embrace it.
