2010 - THE BEST YEAR!
by Debra Basch,
Certified Personal Trainer,
Registered Holistic Nutritonist at eMbody Fitness
It's that time of year again when after being wined, dined, baked and pickled, those favourite skinny jeans are just a tad too snug - we are guilted into the dreaded New Year's Resolution. Barraged daily with promises of 20 lbs. lost for $20.00, jingles scaring you into not wanting to be the that fat guy anymore and infomercials actually having us believe that six minute abs and the thigh master are the routes to a healthful redemption! For some of us, self-improvement is always a desire, for others it can be their religion. They are the people you don’t want to get stuck next to at the buffet table. They have the ability to recite media-hyped health claims and nutritional statistics word for word, while staring down the olive in your cocktail! (It's mostly water you counter meekly.) Their diatribes do nothing to incite motivation and inspiration. They have you running to the nearest sweet table, binging away your guilty past.
This article is different. I promise. Just like your experience at eMbody Fitness is different and the wonderful people who work there are too. We understand only too well the dreaded New Year's Resolution brings people in to the club seeking new exercise routines, better eating, and healthful enlightenment, only to see those same people "fall off the wagon" three weeks later. Don’t get me wrong, setting goals does not set you up for failure nor do Resolutions - its all about how you approach this exercise that will determine whether it’s a positive experience with a successful outcome. The path to healthful living is different for everyone. Crafting a list of healthy, specific goals and actually sticking to them is a good start! Breaking down your ultimate goal into monthly baby steps with a pragmatic "how to" should also be part of the master list. Instead of the widely used, extremely difficult to define "eat better", why not start this year with "no junk January"? How would this work? By leaving your eating habits alone EXCEPT that you will not eat even the tiniest morsel of junk food for the whole month of January. You will seek treats elsewhere. Fast food will be part of your past - again, just for January. Short term commitment with the real potential of long-term gain! Go ahead and use it - we give it to you!
As your quest for these achievements become contagious, they can also be fun and sociable. Now that you have extra time in your day from eliminating junk-food eating, commit to trying one new group exercise class every week. Need a fridge makeover? Speak to one of our knowledgeable nutritionists on how to make that happen. Self improvement is an exciting journey. Our staff is here for you every step of the way. We are confident that our own personal commitments to a healthy lifestyle are inspiring and motivating. We are optimistic that you will be looking back a year from now and saying "it truly was the best year!"