New Year's Resolutions

Editor's Note: Have you been to the gym yet in 2009? If so, you have likely found it bursting at the seems filled with people determined to get a good start on their New Year's Resolution -- to exercise more, eat better, eat less, weigh less, build muscle, etc. We all seem to have the health of our bodies on our mind during this time of resolutions. I think that is great! Unfortunately, however, a good number of us start to peter out after the first couple of months and by the end of the year, we've stopped exercising, weigh the same (or more) and find ourselves eating one last piece of chocolate cake before starting all over again with the same resolution the next year.

Make this year different! Be REALISTIC in setting your goals. Take the time to sit down and truely reflect on what you really want in terms of body image and overall health. Find out what motivates you. Consider what is enjoyable to you. Think about what time of day is easiest/best for you to exercise. Do you have limitations? If so, think about what you can do to increase your physical activity despite those limitations? If you need suggestions, ask me! Finally, don't feel overwhelmed. Did you know that the American Heart Association suggests that we exercise 30 minutes MOST days of the week and even states that the 30 minutes does not have to be consecutive to get the health benefits of exercise? In other words, if you take a couple of days off a week, cut yourself some slack! If you only have time to walk for 15 minutes in the morning -- do it! And then try to squeeze in 15 minutes more over your lunch break. Good luck in 2009! May this be a healthy and happy year for all of you!