Turning over a new leaf...

GET motivated...

So, it’s 2007 and a time when many think to ‘Turn Over a New Leaf’. New year resolutions usually revolve around getting fitter and losing weight, well why not combine that with learning a new activity or skill, such as canoeing or abseiling? The big challenge is to keep those resolutions going longer than the first week of January. Here are our top tips to help you achieve that

  1. Set yourself a realistic goal –

    to lose weight, drop a dress size or lose inches from your waist or hips. Ensure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound.) So instead of saying I want to lose weight, change this to I want to lose 10lbs by 31 March 2007. You can see how this changes the focus, this goal could then be broken down into weekly targets of a 1lb a week.

  2. Be organised and prepared -

    make sure you have your walking boots ready if you are planning to take a long walk in the forest, there’s nothing worse than deciding to go and being unable to find the kit that you need.

  3. Start steadily -

    if you do too much you can overload your body with fatigue, soreness or worse still injury. Being unable to move after exercise will not be a great motivator to get you back out there!

  4. Look to do small chunks of activities, you don’t need to put aside all day -

    A 30 minute walk or a 20 minute bike ride will all add up if it becomes a regular habit.

  5. Do things you enjoy -

    You will not keep going if you become bored or dislike what you are doing, try to vary your activities and try different things.

  6. Encourage a friend to join you -

    This can introduce a competitive element, pushing you both on to complete new challenges.

  7. Start a training journal-

    Jot down where you are at the beginning, what you’ve done and then where you are at the end. If you discover a new shape in your calves or arms, you check your training log to see what you have done differently over the last few weeks. It can also help you to see what may have brought on an illness or injury.

  8. Change your routine -

    even if you love walking or cycling, try a completely different activity. Your mind and your muscles will thank you for it!

  9. Be patient -

    changes in your fitness, weight and body shape will not come overnight. Do not set unrealistic goals as it will only lead to disappointment

  10. Reward yourself when you reach one of your goals –

    perhaps a massage, some new sports kit, new trainers or some new clothes.