Dec 08
31
Goodbye 08: 5 Survival Tips to Make an Even Better 09
2008 was an interesting year that had many ups, downs and in betweens.
I have compiled a short list to make 2009 a year that you will want to remember and put you on a path to success.
Unfortunately, it will not give you financial advice, insider news on Suri Cruise being real or a robot, or any fitness advice from aol.com (although the Slender Rear End looks very interesting), yahoo.com, pump magazine or Jillian Michaels.
Here are 5 ways to make great strides, look and feel good in 2009:
1. Make a Plan. Do you think Britney failed to make a plan when dressing herself this morning? OK, bad example.
Whether you are planning you meals or workouts for the week, you should always know (or be able to quickly change) what you plan to do. People without plans are those most likely to fall off the wagon and inhale 3 Cabernet’s, 2 ding dongs and a bag of cool ranch and bitch about it 20 minutes later.
Action Step: Take 30 minutes a week to make your meal plan and mark down your workouts and times. If you don’t know how to do this, consult a qualified individual to make you a month long meal plan and workout program.
2. Set Goals. What better time to make goals than New Years? You have a fresh start and can start from scratch. However, be wary that many people set lofty goals at New Years that are impossible. Don’t set a goal of 5 workouts a week when your current regime is pressing channel 4 when Oprah comes on.
Action Step: Make a short term goal (2 weeks), longer short term goal (4 weeks), mid range goal (3 months) and long term goal (Start of Summer/Labor Day/New Years ’10). These can be whatever you’d like. 15 workouts a month, lose 10 pounds by March, lose 5 % body fat by May, fit into my sexy pants, etc. Just make them as measurable and precise as possible.
3. Be Confident, yet Realistic. If you currently resemble Oprah (yes, she has some special power over me to constantly market her), but want to look like Jennifer Aniston (guys-look at this!, girls-please read on), you need to shoot for that look as your long term goal. You don’t look like that from running on the tread for 25 minutes and eating a veggie burger 1 day a week. It takes extreme amounts of hard work, many hours (and great photoshop experts) to get a body like this.
4. Take Before & After Pictures. You don’t necessarily have to take pics like the ones above…unless you are into that kind of thing, but that’s your own business. However, you should take before pics to help measure your progress and allow your trainer to find possible weaknesses in your body. These pictures may also be used (with your approval) to promote your awesome trainer and show everyone how it can be done.
Action Step: Have your trainer take a before pic in a bathing suit or tight clothing. Guys should go shirtless (not my preference). Take profile pics, back and front pics and 1 ‘Arnold’ pose pic. Just don’t end it by throwing a fit and your cell phone at the cameraman.
5. Track Your Measurements & Progress. Keep track of your progress with bi-weekly or monthly weigh ins and notice how your clothes fit. Don’t get caught up with weight since you may be gaining muscle. The way you look and feel is most important. Always remember, you may weigh 150 pounds and look terrible or weigh 150 pounds and look incredible depending on how much body fat and muscle you have.
Check back tomorrow for my most embarrassing moment in blog history as I list out all of my 09 goals and eventually unleash my before photos.
