This blog post is authored by guest writer Tamilee Webb, an award-winning Hall of Fame Fitness Instructor, best-selling fitness author, and TV fitness personality, who is best known for her Buns of Steel and Abs of Steel series of workout videos. Tamilee has a no-nonsense approach to mind, body, health and fitness that can be achieved within the home safely and effectively.
How many times did it take you to realize that your pale, white skin could not handle hours in the hot sun (even with sunscreen) the first day of summer? Looking like a lobster was not cool or good for your skin! So why would you attempt to do the same to your body every New Year?
Is your New Years Resolution the same every year? “This is the year, this year I’m going to get in shape and lose weight for good.” You start off with a bang… Day one: jog a couple of miles and do some weights. Day two: can’t move. Days three, four, and five: still not moving well. Day six: not sure if it’s worth all this pain. Day seven: you’re back to your old habits.
You’re among millions that never reach their goals each New Year. So why would this year be any different? Because this year you’re going to have a new approach to help you stay on track!
First thing first, what is your goal? Define it, write is down, and be realistic! If your goal is to lose 25 pounds and look like Cindy Crawford…SNAP OUT OF IT, or as Dr. Phil would say, “Get Real!” Losing 25 pounds is real, but looking like anyone other than yourself is not. If 25 pounds is the total, break it down into segments: 10 pounds the first month, 8 pounds the second month, and 7 pounds the third month. Before beginning any exercise program, check with your doctor. If you have high blood pressure or other medical concerns you need to be advised by your physician of what you can or cannot do.
Second, you’ll need a plan. How are you going to reach your goal? What are your obstacles? Is time the problem? Get up earlier. Look back at previous years and remember what got in the way between you and your goal, and take out the obstacles before you begin. Having a plan will help eliminate those obstacles.
What are activities you enjoy? Getting fit and losing weight doesn’t have to be painful, take a lot of time, or cost a great deal of money. It can be fun if you find activities that you enjoy and are motivated to do. Hiking, walking, boxing, swimming, and cycling are some activities that will burn calories, work your heart, and tone your muscles. Or you may enjoy team sports with your buddies, like tennis, football, soccer, and basketball.
One sure way to fail is doing something you don’t enjoy or making it repetitive! Don’t let yourself get bored; change up your program, exercise, or activity. You’ll see quicker results by challenging your body to do different types of activities. For example, on Monday and Thursday, go to the gym to work out; on Tuesday, hike; on Friday, walk with the dog; and on Saturday, play basketball with your kids or play 18 holes of golf with friends (carrying your clubs of course).
You may also want to incorporate the Classic Buns of Steel Series, which were some of my best selling workout videos. Although the leotards and hairstyles are old, the exercises are not! If you remember having one of these old VHS workouts that got you in the best shape ever, it can happen again! The Abs of Steel Series was used by more men than any other workout video and they give you the option to work out your abs for 10 or 15 minutes! And, for the forty plus group, try one of my more gentle programs, Defy Gravity Workout, designed to challenge your changing body with cardio, muscle conditioning, yoga, and Pilates.
Now that you have a goal, a plan, and have figured out some activities you enjoy, in Part 2 of this two-part blog series, I will talk about how to take the next steps to get moving and have a successful and healthy new year!
