'Getting fit' and 'exercising more' are common New Year Resolutions. Exercise has been one of my 'Lifetime Resolutions' for decades. I developed a passion for sports and athletics as a kid, when I played competitive tennis, jogged and did my share of laps in the pool. While I don't always have as much time as I would like, today, to hit the tennis courts, or the hiking trails, I do exercise regularly. I make time to walk, swim, bike, stretch, do light Yoga, work out on my Total Gym, and exercise with free weights (like the one pictured above). I've learned, if I want to make exercise a daily priority, I have to cast a wide net - engage in a wide variety of exercise options - in an effort to stay enthusiastic and make work outs easily accessible. Casting a wide exercise net also helps me to cross train and build strength and overall fitness.
With that in mind, I intend to 'Tone With Free Weights', as part of my I Resolve To . . . Challenge: 365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness. Why not join me? The objective is very simple: Do at least one thing each and every day to promote health and happiness for 'YOU'. Banish the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'. Instead, make every day New Year's Day. Make every day count. The list of possibilities is infinite and can be tailored to your own dreams, resolutions and daily goals. If you need some help - a little nudge, a bit of inspiration, tips, advice, and news about the best ways to make resolutions a reality - please use IResolveTo.Com as one of your resources. Resolve365 in 2009.
My 'Lifetime Resolution' to exercise regularly (usually 3-6 days each week) is as follows: I Resolve To . . . exercise for at least 30-minutes daily by walking, working out with weights, swimming, gardening, doing Yoga, stretching, and biking, so that I can reach and maintain my my ideal weight (i.e. 125 pounds), be fit and toned (i.e. look good in my clothes, and feel good about myself), be healthy (i.e. lower my cholesterol and blood pressure), and maintain a good mood and positive outlook. Some days I only manage to work in 10-15 minutes of stretching, some light Yoga, or a moderate walk, by parking my car a distance from my destination. Other days I manage to do several hours of gardening, walking, biking, tennis, or swimming (with relax time thrown in).
If you truly want to make exercise a habit, it is important to do things that are within your fitness level that you truly enjoy. If exercise is no fun and you hate doing it, you probably won't keep your resolution. I know some folks who really don't like to work out at the gym, but they do it anyway because exercise is good for health, weight maintenance, and it can promote a good mood, and self esteem. They are committed to their exercise programs because they enjoy the rewards.
If you're thinking about starting your own exercise program, I strongly urge you to do your homework first. Then, as a next step, try different sports and ways of working out. Work out with friends who can help to keep you accountable and share your journey. If the gym isn't your bag, then try walking a few days each week and consider building an inexpensive home gym. Start small with a few 'How To' books and exercise videos. Invest in a Yoga Mat for stretching, a jump rope and a pair of free weights. For around $100-150 you can start an inexpensive home work out program. Later on, if you're really motivated and sure you will use the equipment - consider a stationary bike, treadmill, or other equipment that you will use for exercise, not a clothes hanger!
There is a wealth of information on-line, at the local library, and book store. Educate yourself before you embark on an exercise program to avoid frustration and false starts. To get you going, here are some interesting articles and websites about free weights and how to use them, home gyms, and building an exercise program:
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto
Kim M. Simpson - February 3, 2009
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved
