Fun and Fitness: New year, new resolutions
The word “resolution” means “a
formal expression of opinion or
intention made, usually after voting,”
according to Dictionary.com.
Therefore, if you are one of the
many people who make New
Year's resolutions, do you make
this decision after voting out other
possibilities? More importantly,
once the decision is made, do you
stick to it until you reach the end
result? Choosing a goal and sticking
to it takes willpower and determination.
Many of you might choose to make a resolution involving fitness. Here are my tips to make sure you make the right choice and help you see it through to the end:
1. Start with why: Why is this goal so important to you, and why will it have a positive impact on your life? An example of a well thought out resolution is: I want to run a half marathon in under two hours to beat my previous time. It will give me the confidence to go for a full marathon.
2. Make it S.M.A.R.T.: What is the Specific goal? How will you Measure the progress? Is it Attainable given your abilities and time frame? Is it Realistic? What is the Timeframe and when is the check-in point?
3. Have a structure or a concrete plan to follow. Write it down. I find that using a calendar is best. Try setting up reminders for yourself on your phone or check-in points on your wall calendar.
4. Do it with a buddy. Your buddy doesn't have to have the exact same goal as you, but if you have similar interests, you can encourage each other and make each other accountable.
5. Get help. If you choose something you've never done before or never had success at, try enlisting the help of an expert. People love to share their wisdom and experiences and feel good when they have helped someone out. For resolutions in fitness, a personal trainer can help you from beginning to end.
January is a tough time for all; the weather is typically cold and snowy here and the hours of daylight are short. For students, it means starting a new set of classes and that alone can be overwhelming. Having something else to focus on that is fun and rewarding can bring a healthy balance to life at Fanshawe College. Choose your resolutions wisely and let them be a way to relieve stress from your busy school and work life. Happy 2014!
Karen Nixon-Carroll is the Program Manager at Fitness 101, Fanshawe College Professor, YMCA fitness course trainer and examiner, Fanshawe FHP grad and holds many fitness certifications for personal training, group fitness and wellness. Email her at karen.carroll@fanshawec.ca.
Many of you might choose to make a resolution involving fitness. Here are my tips to make sure you make the right choice and help you see it through to the end:
1. Start with why: Why is this goal so important to you, and why will it have a positive impact on your life? An example of a well thought out resolution is: I want to run a half marathon in under two hours to beat my previous time. It will give me the confidence to go for a full marathon.
2. Make it S.M.A.R.T.: What is the Specific goal? How will you Measure the progress? Is it Attainable given your abilities and time frame? Is it Realistic? What is the Timeframe and when is the check-in point?
3. Have a structure or a concrete plan to follow. Write it down. I find that using a calendar is best. Try setting up reminders for yourself on your phone or check-in points on your wall calendar.
4. Do it with a buddy. Your buddy doesn't have to have the exact same goal as you, but if you have similar interests, you can encourage each other and make each other accountable.
5. Get help. If you choose something you've never done before or never had success at, try enlisting the help of an expert. People love to share their wisdom and experiences and feel good when they have helped someone out. For resolutions in fitness, a personal trainer can help you from beginning to end.
January is a tough time for all; the weather is typically cold and snowy here and the hours of daylight are short. For students, it means starting a new set of classes and that alone can be overwhelming. Having something else to focus on that is fun and rewarding can bring a healthy balance to life at Fanshawe College. Choose your resolutions wisely and let them be a way to relieve stress from your busy school and work life. Happy 2014!
Karen Nixon-Carroll is the Program Manager at Fitness 101, Fanshawe College Professor, YMCA fitness course trainer and examiner, Fanshawe FHP grad and holds many fitness certifications for personal training, group fitness and wellness. Email her at karen.carroll@fanshawec.ca.
