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Health & Fitness

Get Fit and Healthy for 2012

Getting Fit & Healthy for 2012

 

As we are set to say goodbye 2011 and hello to a new and healthy 2012, I would like to share some tips on making it smooth and successful transition.

First begin by setting small and attainable goals. By doing this you can see measurable progress and feel good about your success. If the goals are too lofty we can easily get of course and feel like we failed. This will only set us up for being continually let down and feel like we are wasting our time and quit. If you set a goal like, "I would love to lose 5 pounds in the next 2 weeks", that is something that is very reachable if you are exercising and eating right.

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If you dedicate yourself to your nutrition and fitness program by giving it priority in your day you can actually make very good progress on a consistent short term basis. Make small changes like committing yourself to having a healthy breakfast if you often skip it in the morning or bringing yourself a healthy snack to work instead of going to the vending machine. These little changes are actually short term goals, and will positively reinforce to you that you are actually making progress towards your fitness goals.

Another short term goal would be to promise yourself that you will workout at least twice per week for 1 hour each time, this may seem daunting now if you have not exercised in a while but 2 hours per week is something you can do if you set your mind to it. Mark it on your calendar, if we have it written down and scheduled we will often feel the task to have much more importance, than just trying to remember it.

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Also try to prepare your meals and snacks the night before. This is actually a lot easier than you may think. I make a big salad on a Monday and my wife and I will take it daily for lunch. Also buy some apples and keep them cold, grab one in the morning with a scoop of peanut butter and you have a great mid-morning or afternoon snack.

The key is just make one change at a time, each day or each week but say it, write it down and implement it. The New Year is approaching and please do not  say I'm going to get in the best shape of my life in 2012 and I'm not gonna touch a "forbidden" snack, or I'm going to workout everyday, because even though as a certified fitness trainer that's a great mentality, it this all or nothing mentality that often fails.

I believe we are all capable of fitness and nutrition success, but even one change or modification I see as progress so should you, give yourself credit for every positive change you make towards your health you deserve and you will succeed.

To your Health & Fitness Always,

Marc Rosamilia

Certified Fitness Trainer-ISSA

Certified Health & Physical Education Teacher-NJ

Certified High School Strength & Conditioning Coach-IYCA

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