Remain on the fitness train

So many of us resolve to lose weight, eat better and decrease stress. We tell ourselves that, starting tomorrow, things will be different. But as time passes, you're likely to experience one of these scenarios:

1. You've been pretty good at sticking to your resolution(s) but you feel like they may be slipping away.
2. Resolutions? They're long gone. Who sticks to them anyway?

When it comes to starting and sticking with fitness, for many, it's a challenging proposition. When motivation starts to drop -- fear not. An energy injection is as easy as one, two, three. Here's how to get back on track when a motivation slump derails you.

1. Research your roadblocks
Reflect on your "failed" attempts at exercise (read 5 weight-loss mistakes) and see if you notice a pattern. Do you plan to exercise first thing in the morning even though you're not a morning person? Do you plan a "five-minute" couch break before your walk, knowing that the couch will trap you until bedtime? If you do the same things over and over again, you can't expect different results. Many of us go with what we know and when it doesn't work, rather than make a different plan, we berate ourselves and throw in the towel. If you pay attention to the patterns that stop you from staying active, you can strategize ways to get around them. If you ignore them, they will continue to get in the way of your success.

2. Re-energize your goals
The first step to success in fitness is realistic goal setting. When you create your fitness goals, what sorts of expectations do you place on yourself? If your motivation is dropping, look back on your goals and ask yourself the following questions:

Were my goals realistic to begin with?
It's important to choose feasible goals and frame them within your current level of fitness and activity. (Read 10 can-do strategies for weight-loss and Practical weight-loss strategies.) Most exercisers strive for weight loss and want the results to show immediately. For many, a realistic (and healthy) goal is to lose a pound or two per week so if your goal is to lose 20 pounds by your high school reunion two weeks from now, you're setting yourself up for failure and frustration. Think ahead. Even at two pounds of weight loss a week (which can be on the high side) you can plan to reach your goal in two months, and it could take as long as five months if you moderate your weight loss to one pound per week. Remember to discuss your weight loss goals with your doctor and seek the assistance of a fitness professional to determine how to safely achieve success.

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