Bill's Blog - Make Realistic Resolutions for Yourself for 2014

By Bill Katinsky, Next Level Training

Good Afternoon!  

Today we are going to talk about one of the most popular topics for working out this time of year:  the New Year’s resolution.  Every year, millions of people make resolutions to go to the gym and start working out in order to lose weight and get in shape.   Gyms all over the country are swamped with people for the first 4-6 weeks of the year, and then slowly, but surely, the crowd dwindles down.  By mid-March, it is typical that only the regulars are left, along with an occasional person or two who stuck it out after making a “resolution.”  

So, why don’t these resolutions stick with people? 

The key to a proper “resolution,” whether it is a goal that relates to the gym or to something else, is making sure that it is realistic.  Just as an eighth grader would not make a resolution to be in the NHL in a year, you would not want to make a resolution to lose 50 pounds in 2 months.  It’s all about being realistic and setting a proper goal.

Working out is not an overnight fix to weight loss, and losing weight in the fashion of “The Biggest Loser” is unrealistic and oftentimes unsafe.  The human body can usually handle losing 1-2 pounds per week and be able to keep this weight off long-term.  You will occasionally hear someone say something along the lines of “My friend did this one diet and lost seven pounds in a week.”  Yes, they may have done that; however, most, if not all, of the weight lost was water weight.  As soon as you start eating normally again—and drink water—the weight will pop right back on. 

Conversely, people also think that if they are skinny and start lifting weights, then they will become “jacked” over night.  Just as you can only lose 1-2 safe pounds per week, you similarly can only add that same amount of weight per week.  Again, yes, you can gain 10 pounds in a week, but it is pretty much guaranteed that 8-9 pounds of it are fat tissue.  So, the same principle applies either way you look at it.

Another problem with these resolutions is that people expect that they can meet their health, fitness, and weight loss goals all by themselves.  Unless you are a professional in the field, I would not recommend trying to go about your resolutions without professional assistance.  After all, anyone can probably cook a steak, but how much better is it when the head chef at Old Homestead makes it?  The best approach is to see a professional trainer and a nutritionist to map out your goals, set a training program and an eating program, and monitor your progress.   

Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% in favor of setting new goals each year.  In fact, I think it is both important and healthy for people to have goals to work towards.  For example, in 2012, my goal was to run a half marathon; in 2013, my goal was to run a full marathon; and, for 2014, my goal is to run a triathlon.  I accomplished both of my prior years’ goals, and I’m sharing them with you so that you can see that goals are always possible and within reach.  However, I’m also telling you this to remind you that with great achievement comes dedicated effort.  Those of you who know me know how hard I had to work to achieve those goals.  The point is that anything is possible when you put your mind to it, but be prepared that your goals require hard work and often don’t come easily.  So, if you don’t hit your goal by late January, don’t give up—just find a more efficient way to get there! 

I hope that you all have a happy and a healthy New Year!

Need ideas about setting a realistic goal for the New Year, or do you need a trainer or a nutritionist to help you out with your resolution? Please email me at Bill@nextlevelnj.com!