Consistency Is Key To Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions

Image by Hryck. via FlickrWe are in the midst of the holiday season, and soon you'll start to think about your New Year's resolutions. Losing weight, and getting in-shape are always two of the top resolutions people make each year. There will be a slew of advertisements on the best fitness plans and diets promising to get you in "tip top shape" in the shortest amount of time.

My advice is not to get hooked by the quick results schemes. Losing weight and maintaining your weight loss, and improving your fitness level is not a short-term goal, it's a long-term process. Consistency in your exercise program, and balance and moderation in your diet are the keys to accomplishing your New Year's resolutions.

In my 17 years of experience as a personal trainer I have never seen any "8 week fitness or weight loss program" work for very long. The reason these quick fixes don't work is because they are impossible to adhere to for an extended period of time. Sooner or later, you will get tired of the strict diet, and the overly intense exercise program, and return to your old habits.

Nothing beats consistency in your exercise program, and balance and moderation in your diet for long-term improvements in your fitness level. I suggest you set some realistic health and fitness goals that you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle.

For example, it's better to set a goal to workout 3 times each week and stick to it, than to set a goal of 5 workouts each week and seldom get them all in. Following the same logic, its better to have a goal to lose 4 lbs a month and achieve it, than to set a goal to lose 10 lbs per month and never attain it.

It's easier to incorporate small changes in your life, and stick with them, than it is to try to make changes that require a heroic effort. Losing weight, and improving your fitness level is not a sprint, it's a marathon. So, start with goals that are easy to accomplish, and you are well on your way to achieving your New Year's resolutions.