Every year women make a New Year’s resolution to ‘get skinny’ or lose those extra 10 pounds, and every year many of those women lose motivation after just a few weeks.
Let’s face it ladies, getting into the gym to replicate Heidi Klum’s model physique is easier said than done. Whether it is a busy schedule or fear of the treadmill, time spent fulfilling this resolution slowly dwindles away.
So what is it going to take to get women motivated to stay healthy year round?
Ryan Godfrey, Dallas personal trainer, says the key to success is making realistic goals for yourself. Instead of reaching to lose 20 pounds at once, aim for a pound a week.
Staying active three times a week is ideal for women on the go. For SMU female students, pack a small gym bag to bring to class, and head over to Dedman for a 30-minute treadmill session.
Godfrey believes you must know why you want to make a change. He manages Paradigm Sports Performance, a program dedicated to athletes who want to maintain peak levels of fitness year round. “Determine your primary source of motivation and constantly remind yourself why you are making healthy lifestyle choices,” Godfrey said.
Most women say their biggest problem with working out is how monotonous it can become. No one wants to feel like they are being forced to do anything, let alone put in hour-long sweat sessions that barely cut down their waistline.
Amber Cortese, SMU strength and conditioning coach, says one of the best ways to stay motivated is to change up your routine. Find a Jazzercize class, take a walk with a friend or run a trail with your dog. Changing things up will not only keep it exciting, but it will work muscles you didn’t know you had.
“Do something you don’t typically do,” Cortese said, “that way you are getting a great workout, but having fun while doing it.”
Katherine Cox, a sophomore at SMU, says it’s tough to stay motivated when there is are constant junk food temptations on-campus as well as off-campus. It is far easier for students to grab a burger at McDonald’s than to make a healthier meal at home, Cox explains.
With Umphrey Lee now offering a variety of organic options, students at SMU have a better chance of staying on track. Godfrey advises that students opt for a salad and grilled chicken at the cafeteria rather than a bowl of ramen noodles. There are options, you just have to find them.
An easy tip from trainers is to treat yourself every once in awhile. Yes, you are allowed to have that cookie. While counting every single calorie you eat may help short term, your resolution is more likely to last if you don’t deprive yourself.
“Don’t forget to give yourself a break once and a while; it can help revive you when you are sliding off track,” Cortese said. It is easier to veer off course when you limit yourself to just one exercise or you cut out things that you love to eat.
Godfrey believes incorporating all the components of exercise such as cardiovascular exercise, cardiovascular strength and flexibility will be your keys to success. “Incorporating these aspects will have the greatest impact on fat loss and improving body composition,” he said.
So be realistic and have fun with your healthy lifestyle. Find a friend to go with to the local farmers market or to go to yoga class. Even with a busy schedule, you can certainly find time to put your health first. With these tips it is guaranteed that whatever your health-conscious resolution is, you will be able to stick to it.
