Fitness Intentions take Action
Happy New Year! Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Meg Root, and I am excited to join the team of Glen Ivy Spa professionals poised to help you turn your Intentions into Actions in the new year ahead. I am an ACE certified Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist and have been working in the fitness and spa industry for over 25 years. Over the course of my career, I have worked with a variety of populations from elementary school kids to active older adults and everything in between. While oftentimes I work with students and clients who love to exercise (imagine that!), I am passionate about reaching out to people who need help getting started or perhaps, need specific strategies and encouragement to stay committed to their goals. So, let me make it my personal intention for 2011, to reach out to you with accurate information, fresh ideas and answers to your wellness questions. My goal will be to help you create a sustainable path to health and wellness.
Since it is the second week in January already, I am probably too late to give you ideas on how to craft your wellness intention for the New Year. However, there is a good chance that I may be just in time to pick you up and dust you off after your first fall from the wagon! Do not be discouraged. It is highly unlikely that you will be perfect in your quest for a new path. The official term for what you need to do now is called “relapse management.” Studies show that people who realize that positive lifestyle change is a long term commitment, are more likely to be successful in their journey. So, do me a favor and take a second look at the intention you made for yourself, or join in and create one for yourself right now. Use the ideas below to make sure that you have all the right ingredients for success.
WRITE IT DOWN.
Many of you have succeeded at this part already because we received over 140 submissions to our monthly challenge. Entrants have expressed feeling increased clarity and commitment to their goal by putting it down on paper. You will also have something to measure your progress against as the weeks go by.
MAKE IT SPECIFIC.
Here is where you may need to go back and revise. “I will make healthier choices this year.” “ I will exercise more.” “I will lose weight.” Good ideas, but what exactly do you mean by that statement. How are you going to know that you have arrived? You can easily get more specific by using numbers and quantities in your statement. “I will walk 2-4 times each week.” “I will commit to losing 15 pounds this year.”
READY SET ACTION!
You have your intention. Now how will you take action? Use bullet points to identify the specific actions you will be taking to follow through on your intention:
• Will you walk in your neighborhood on a regular basis or join a fitness class or gym? Get moving!
• Will you enlist the help of a friend or trainer for support? Who is this person? Call them up!
• Do you plan to visit a nutritionist, join Weight Watchers, or keep a food log to make a commitment to your diet? Go on the internet to find these resources!
• Will you try to add one colorful fruit or vegetable to each meal, or make a commitment to packing a healthy lunch three times each week? Off to the grocery store!
REVIEW, REVISE, RENEW.
Intentions are not static lifeless statements. They evolve and take shape as our experience and knowledge expands. Put your intention somewhere visible and visit it on a regular (daily? . . . hourly?) basis. What’s working for you? What isn’t? What further actions do you need to take to be successful this time?
The process of redirecting your lifestyle choices in a more positive direction is not easy. Life always interrupts, as they say. But starting out with a well crafted intention will create a firm foundation for success in the new year ahead. Paper and pencil, please!
Have Questions? Feel free to leave comments below. Be sure to follow GlenIvySpas on Facebook, every Thursday I will offer a quick tip to keep you on track!
Meg
I have joined countless gyms over the years, last year I tried the Y cuz it was an inexpensive option. I always go for the first while but then drop off in March …. any insight on how to get past that hump?
My favorite excuse is my busy schedule! Help.
I just joined Weight Watchers and I already lost my log-in information! I like the idea of Weight Watchers but the website is so big with so much information, I get overwhelmed. I don’t even know where to start.