New Year's Resolution Check

Here we are, a few weeks into 2010. At KT Tape we know that our New Year’s resolutions can be beginning to wear heavily on us. Whether it’s cutting soda out of your diet, saving your pennies or losing 20 lbs, millions of folks around the world know that these resolutions can be tough. Now here's a little history for you: New Year’s celebrations and resolutions began with the early Romans, when the Roman calendar was marked with Janus’ head; with two faces – one looking to the past and one looking forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans sought forgiveness from their enemies at the start of the new year.

Today our resolutions tend to be more health related. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, the Top 3 Resolutions are to lose weight, quit smoking and exercise regularly. However, 60% of all resolution makers fail to reach their goals. Rather than simply resolving to “exercise more” it’s important to set small attainable goals that you can actually conquer. Now that we're about a month into the new year, it might be a good time to reevaluate your strategy. 

To help you out, take a look at these five Mini-New Year’s Resolutions from www.sheknows.com.

• New Year’s resolution #1: Make time for you:
• The problem: Taking care of yourself on a daily basis – if you don’t already maintain a fitness routine – can be challenging. From daycare to meetings or just catching up with friends, it can often feel like “you” don’t really fit into the equation of “your” day.
• The solution: Start making yourself a priority. Let people around you know that you’re hoping to make a big fitness change in your life and ask them for their support. See if your friends can help you with a few day-to-day tasks -- or even exercise with you. Get your husband to clean up the dishes so you can head off to the gym or outside for a walk. By sticking to your “I need me time” plan, you’ll be more likely to keep an exercise schedule.

• New Year’s resolution #2: Write it down:
• The problem: You want to lose weight and tone your muscles, but haven’t set any concrete targets and you’re not sure how to go about achieving your fitness goals.
• The solution: Studies show people who write things down – from what they eat to how they feel before, during and after exercise – are more likely to stick to a new healthy living plan. So, before you start any routine, go to your local bookstore and buy a journal to track your fitness goals (or keep one online). Include inspirational quotes in your fitness journal to inspire you to exercise whenever you feel like taking a day off (or feel too lazy to get off the couch). Doing this will help you feel more organized and in control of your fitness future.
• New Year’s resolution #3: Set realistic fitness goals:
• The problem: Your fitness goals are too lofty and could set you up for failure. For example, it’s January and you want to run a half-marathon by March or you’re hoping to lose 10 pounds in one month.
• The solution: Talk to your doctor before starting any fitness regimen to help you set realistic fitness goals. Make an appointment with a qualified personal trainer who can assist you in breaking your larger New Year’s resolutions into smaller more tangible fitness targets and tasks. This will keep you motivated and increase your odds of being successful. A medical or fitness professional can also help you plan for and overcome the inevitable hurdles that may hinder your workout schedule; for example, illness, injury, or family and work obligations.
• New Year’s resolution #4: Enlist your friends:
• The problem: You would rather go out with your friends for an après-a-bad-day-at-work drink than head to the gym.
• The solution: Get your friends to hop on the fitness train with you. People are more likely to stick to a fitness regimen if they have someone to support them. While hiring a personal trainer works, a more cost-effective and emotionally significant way to do this is to work out with a friend. Not only will you be able to motivate each other to stick to your long-term plan, you’ll also get to indulge in some quality bonding time.