CREDIT: JESSICA THOMPSON
Fitness 101, located in J-building, is the perfect place to achieve your new year's resolution of getting in shape.

So it’s that time of the year again. You tell yourself, “This will be the year; this year will be different.”

But will it be? Forbes magazine reported in 2013 around 40 per cent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. However they also reported of those 40 per cent, only eight per cent actually keep their resolutions. Why is it that so many people quit on their resolutions with such good intentions going into January?

One possible reason is they simply attempt to make an extreme change and do so cold turkey. If you eat fast food almost every day at least once, is it really possible for you to drop it completely? For some people, it is absolutely doable. But for others, a more gradual change will be far more likely to lead to long-term success.

Instead make your resolution to cut the amount in half, and then over time gradually reduce the amount until you’ve made the full change. This same concept can be used in various resolutions such as going to the gym, eating more vegetables, reducing alcohol intake or working towards quitting smoking.

Another difficulty with sticking to resolutions is not picking something tangible or measurable. This includes that common, “I want to lose weight.”

This doesn’t actually include a specific set goal. Instead, set a SMART goal. SMART stands for: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

For example, your goal could be to lose three pounds each month for the next six months. This way you can keep yourself on track and make adjustments as you go rather than expecting dramatic weight loss in the first month.

The same idea works for going to the gym. Instead of making a resolution such as, “I need to start working out,” make your resolution to attend a spin class on Mondays and TRX class on Thursdays. Then also use the weight room on Tuesdays and Fridays. Giving yourself this kind of schedule will set you up for much greater success.

If you’re confused about setting a goal or just want help reaching it, come visit the Fanshawe Fitness Centre.

Included in your membership is a free consultation. During this time you can talk to one of our fitness consultants and we can help you develop an action plan for tackling your goals. We will provide you with a program to follow, help with any nutrition related questions you may have and help steer you in the right direction.