As the year comes to an end, you, along with countless others, are bound to resolve to get in shape in 2010. But what is going to make this year different then years past? I have two words for you – LIFESTYLE CHANGE! The only way to be successful in a quest to become healthier is to make a lifestyle change – or rather several changes. You must address both your nutrition, and physical activity habits. It has to be an across the board commitment to a new healthier lifestyle. Did you know that 80% of all people who resolve to get fit in the New Year fizzle out within the first month? So how do we combat this daunting statistic? Yep, you guessed it – with a Lifestyle Change.

Tips for Success

Establish a pre and post workout routine.

Pre-workout

o Drink 16-20 OZ of water approx. 1 hour prior to workout.
o Have a light snack – granola bar, trail mix, piece of fruit or protein shake about 30 minutes prior to workout
o Do a full set of warm-up stretching, specifically focusing on the muscles you plan to work on.

Post-Workout

o Do a full set of stretching specifically focusing on the muscles your worked the most
o B e sure to bundle up after a workout. Your muscles are like rubber band, once heated they have to cooled slowly or you will pull a muscle getting into your car.
o Drink 16-20 OZ of water within 1 hour of your workout

Adjust your Eating Habits

• Try to eat more whole foods. This means food that you buy in their original form before they are processed in a plant. Think fresh fruits and vegetables. Wheat and whole grain breads and pastas.
• Cut the sugar. The easiest way to do this is to cut back on the sodas and sports drinks.
• Limit the grazing habits – only eat when you are hungry and even then limit your portions.
• Take your time to eat your meal. Enjoy your mean – don’t scarf it down. This gives your stomach time to alert your brain that it is full (which is usually well before we stop eating)

Work in teams

• Your family must commit to your resolution too! You will need their kind nagging to remind you to not have another piece of cake or that a little rain is no reason to not do a workout video indoors.
• You need to get some of your friends on board as well. This benefits three-fold. 1. It is much easier to workout with a friend there to support you. 2. Your friends hold you accountable just by being there. 3. They get in shape along with you, which means the shopping trip for new clothes going to be super fun when you all lose a few sizes!!

Related posts:

1. Get Fit Mondays – 3/15/2010
2. Get Fit Monday
3. Will You Make it Past Week 8?
4. Friday Fitness: Find Your Fitness Baseline
5. Get Fit Monday! – 3/22/2010