"I made no resolutions for the new year.  The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me." ~Anais Nin

I may have made no resolutions, but I sure did make a lot of plans, do a lot of criticizing, sanctioning and molding!  I have an entire list of aspirations to better myself, and jumping back into it can be quite overwhelming.  Staying motivated is key.  It can be hard enough to find time for the things you truly enjoy, but even harder to fit in things that seem more like a daunting task (i.e. exercise).  For many people, starting a regular exercise program is at the top of the New Years Resolution list, so I've put together some tips on staying motivated.  I hope these help you as much as they've helped me!

-Talk to a Specialist.  Health and Wellness Coaches are trained to help people set goals, identify barriers, and create strategies to overcome those barriers.  You and your trainer can put together a workout that fits your needs.  Also, you will gain confidence in learning safe and effective techniques; knowing you are working out to your fullest potential and at a pace that is right for you.  Make sure your trainer is certified by a nationally recognized organization or holds a degree in a related field.

-Track your activity.  Keep a log or calendar of your daily activity - everything from using the stairs at work to exercising in the gym.  Remember, the activity you do outside of the gym counts!  This is a great visual to get a better idea of what works for you and when it's realistic to fit it in.  It's also motivating to look back at what you've accomplished and encourage yourself to continue.  Often times you'll be surprised at how active you can be when you put your mind to it!

-Start small.  Ask yourself what will work for you.  There is no prescription routine that is best for everyone.  Here are some good questions to ask:

• What do I enjoy doing?
• How much time is realistic to set aside for workouts?
• What activity am I comfortable with?
• What types of things keep me interested and motivated?

Take it one day at a time and one step at a time.  Once you decide what works for you, a program can be put together to accommodate that.

-Try different things.  The number one complaint about exercise is that it's BORING.  It doesn't have to be.  If you don't like what you're doing, chances are you're not going to do it.  There are many, many methods of exercise to explore and doing the same ol' same ol' for too long results in a workout that plateaus.  Changing it up can keep you from getting bored, and keep your muscles thinking, too.

-Exercise your mind and spirit.  For a healthy, balanced lifestyle, it’s good to exercise the body, mind and spirit.  Starting on a new exercise plan can be time consuming, but be sure to include time for restoration.  Read a book you've been eyeing, try meditation, learn new recipes, or plan time with friends and family (bonus points if there's activity involved!)  Restoration should be anything you enjoy that brings happiness and renewed energy for life, and helps maintain balance when starting a workout program.

-Reward yourself!  You're doing a good thing and you deserve to thank yourself!  Find a reward system that is healthy and works for your goals.  If you've accomplished your goal of working out 2 days a week for a month, reward yourself with a new book or a day off.  Find small rewards for weekly or even daily accomplishments (inspirational notes to yourself or a 10-minute break from the day!)

Please feel free to add your own insights, advice, and tips for staying motivated - we can all learn from each other.  If you have any questions regarding a working out or beginning an activity program, please feel free to ask.  Have a wonderful day!