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Happy New Year! The first of the year has traditionally been the time we reflect on what has worked in our lives, and what we want to change to better our lives. And for many, that means starting an exercise program and losing weight. Maybe it’s because of the sense of closure that comes from transitioning from one calendar year to the next, but for me, January 1st is just another day. I think that comes from my years of working in the corporate fitness world and watching people struggle to maintain the intensity and excitement of their new-found exercise program in January. The instinct is to set a goal to lose a lot of weight in a short period of time and to jump-start it by working out hard every day. This may look good on paper, but the intensity was too much to continue and the crowds would die down within weeks. Most, if not all the these members would end up defeated and inactive because their New Year’s goal wasn’t realistic and they couldn’t keep up with the program. Fitness isn’t a destination we reach. It’s a journey. Even more, it’s a lifestyle. And in order to be active, you’ve got to live actively every day. Profound, I know, but it’s true.
So as we ring in the New Year, be mindful of the ways you wish to express your inner active personality this year. Do you want to hike through a National Park this spring or with your neighbor a few days per week? Or maybe walk or run your first race or improve on your finish time? Setting a series of small, realistic goals for the year is a great way to keep the momentum flowing and stay motivated, but remember living a healthy, active lifestyle comes down to the choices we make every day along the way. Stay tuned this month as I blog about ways to get started, how to stay motivated, make progress and create habits that will last a lifetime.
Click here to view your 2010 BeeWell for Life Action Plan.
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