5 Ways to Accomplish A Health New Year’s Resolution

Usually around the end of the year, New Years Resolutions become a topic of conversation. If you have done a resolution in the past, the conversation is usually centres around how well it worked for you or how you will never do another New Years Resolution again. If you have done a resolution in the past and it didn’t work for you, maybe I can suggest you try again, but make a few changes. Just so you know, I am not suggesting that you write down the same new years resolutions for 2017 that you didn’t accomplish last year. I am suggesting that with a few tweaks to what you already maybe doing, this year resolution maybe different. Here are 5 ways to accomplishing a health new years resolution.

I know it sounds simple, but as a personal trainer, I see it often. The fact is, consistency is one of the biggest factors I have noticed successful people have in

1. Do something every day- I know it sounds simple, but as a personal trainer, I see it often. The fact is, consistency is one of the biggest factors I have noticed successful people have. Whether it is a diet or an new exercise program, without consistency you don’t get results. I am not suggesting that you do the same workout everyday but vary how you may be working out. For example, if you lift weights on Mondays, do Cardio on Tuesday, Strength Training again on Wednesdays and maybe Yoga on Thursdays. Varying how you exercise keeps your body fresh while allowing you to be consistent with your training.
2. Eat breakfast- I know not everyone likes to eat breakfast, but it is an easy way to get your metabolism going which aids in your body burning calories. This is important because the higher your metabolism is, the more weight you can possibly lose while resting. Since having more muscle helps speed your metabolism, I would suggest having foods high in protein like hard boiled eggs.
3. Be accountable- Being accountable to someone or something can be the encouragement you need when you don’t want to work out. Also you can use an event like a wedding where you have to be a certain size to fit into a dress to keep you accountable to eat well and exercise. In addition, hiring a fitness professional like a personal trainer will not only keep you accountable, but will structure a program to get you to your goals while working on your strengths and weaknesses.
4. Break the Year Down- A big reason why I think so many fall short with New Year’s Resolutions, is that their plan is for the whole year instead of breaking the year down into different parts. I recommend that you make small goals, (lose 5lbs in a month), that lead your bigger goal (lose 30lbs). Similarly to being consistent, most people are encouraged to continue to eat well and exercise when they see small successes along the way to the big goal.
5. Don’t use a cookie cutter approach — The one thing about being a personal trainer that works with seniors has taught me is, everyone has different issues with their body. Issues could be injuries, surgeries like knees or hips, or anything that doesn’t feel right or work like it used to. Before you jump into any exercise routine, assess what your body can or cannot do, then make your plan according to that. A term I use when it comes to not making your workout cookie cutter is to modify or adjust the workout based on your physical abilities. A good example of how to modify an exercise if you can’t do a pushup on the ground, would be to do wall pushups.

While 2016 is done and a new year is here, it doesn’t mean we should accept the same results as last year. With a few adjustments, this year can be our best health year yet.

About the Author: Eric Daw is an Older Adult specialist and the Owner of Omni-Fitt. Omni-Fitt is committed to the health of seniors through fitness and all areas of wellness. Eric motivates and encourages seniors in Toronto to take responsibility through positive mentoring experiences. You can find Eric’s work at Omni-Fitt or follow him on Facebook