By Rita La Rosa Loud, B.S.
You may be one of countless seniors who at the beginning of each year make New Year resolutions that fade as time passes. While setting goals can be effective, the problem is most people often set unrealistic goals. By embracing a few simple strategies, you can achieve practical objectives to help create a meaningful, manageable, and satisfying life transformation without the pressure of customary New Year resolutions.
Be an exercise enthusiast
Exercising regularly is a common New Year’s resolution, yet a study revealed only 12% succeeded. On a brighter note, research has shown that people who perceive themselves as exercisers are 44% more likely to maintain a consistent exercise routine. Seeing yourself as someone who exercises can motivate you to work out regularly.
Mark your calendar
Prioritize your physical activity like any other health-related or medical appointment to sustain regular exercise. Putting this scheduling system into practice will make it easier to stick with your desired New Year intentions.
Set sustainable goals
Shoot for a sensible target, one that you can adhere to and complete. Instead of vague ambitions like, “I want to lose weight,” specifically aim to drop say, 10-15 lbs. in three-to-six months with the aid of a nutritionist. Or maybe you desire to exercise; then join an affordable community exercise program for older adults.
Alter your mindset
Thinking about the big picture is important, but can be overwhelming. Shift your mindset to act by saying, “I can go outside for a short walk” rather than waiting for ideal conditions or motivation.
Applaud incremental wins
Modest actions are essential to maintaining resolutions. Undertaking too much at once can sidetrack anyone from reaching their goal(s). If you plan to exercise every day, you will burn out and lose motivation. Take small steps to increase your chances of success. Starting with two days weekly, then progressing to three or more, is a colossal win!
Elicit solid support
Here are a few ways to obtain reinforcement. You can exercise with a partner for accountability, join a group for camaraderie; arrange environment for success, e.g., (1) establish consistent training timetables, (2) keep healthy snacks on hand, (3) prepare easy meals on workout days, and (4) synchronize phone reminders to keep you on track.
Celebrating self-worth
What’s holding you back is not what you think, like skipping workouts or snacking on sweets. Accept that everyone encounters challenges along the way. Stand by the time and effort it takes to complete resolutions. When enthusiasm wanes, give yourself a little pep talk. Get back on the horse, embrace incremental successes, trust you’re capable, and at the end of the year, revel in health and fitness headway you made.
The Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness at Quincy College offers for your fitness journey any time of the year with our adult group fitness program (resistance exercise, aerobics, flexibility, functional training). We are located at Presidents Place, 1250 Hancock St., Quincy. Call 617-405-5978 to tour, inquire about complimentary training and obtain registration procedures. Street parking is available; a parking garage is next to the building.
About the Author: Rita La Rosa Loud holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology with additional education in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. She is NASM Certified and has been actively involved in the fitness industry for more than 35 years. She is also an author and writes fitness-related articles for various publications. Currently, she is a fitness researcher and directs the Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness at Quincy College. She can be reached at 617-405-5978 or by email at Rita.larosaloud@quincycollege.edu.
