Resolutioners.

Ah, January. The month of new beginnings, of new hopes, and of newly expanded waist lines. The month of the resolution.

Millions of people will have paid for a shiny new gym membership at the beginning of this month and I'm willing to bet that about 80% of those aren't using it anymore as of this writing. This article isn't about them though, it's about you; the remaining 20% who actually decided to make a change in their lives. 

Whether you resolve to run more, lift weights, change your diet, or just be more active in general, congratulations. You've made it about a month, which is a significant hump to get over with a new routine. Yeah, I know it hurts but stick with it. Your mirror (as well as some random people you've never met) will thank you later. 

Sticking with that whole "sticking with it" thing, get your expectations in line. You're not going to go from Jason Alexander to Daniel Craig in a week or month (or...generic fat lady to Jessica Beil for the ladies, as I obviously fear their scorn). 

Drastic changes lead to drastic crashes and relapses. The goal of your resolution should not be to go hard until you reach Goal X. Find small, but realistic, changes in the way you conduct your life and your workouts. Over time, those small changes add up. You'll find it much more manageable over a longer period of time this way, promise. Small habits over time tend to stick around. 

In tackling a new level of physical activity, structure and discipline are your best friends. Too much, too soon and you risk injury and burn out and then your back to square one (or: hating being healthy). Keep things relatively easy at the beginning and increase in small doses at a time. This is supposed to be a lifestyle change, remember?

Finally, ask questions. Talk to people. Learn about your body and how it will react to new stresses. There are entire communities dedicated to this. Find them and learn from them. We're not all assholes, I promise. 

Keep up the good work and the rewards will follow.

Even more so you don't have to hear my responses to failed resolution excuses!!

"But I don't have time!!"

Make some. No one is going to give you any more of it. 

"But I can't find healthy food!!"

Bullshit. You're not looking hard enough. I haven't seen a barren produce section in my life. 

"But the gym is too intimidating!"

Ok, I'll give you this one. There's no law that says workouts must be conducted in a gym. Got ten square feet and a jump rope? Go nuts. 
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"But I'll NEVER look like him/her!!"

Unless you're their biological twin, you're absolutely spot on. You'll look like you, but better and healthier. You'll be motivation for a future resolutioner. Wouldn't that be a nifty goal?

Only you can follow through. 

Til next time,

Cheers!