December 28, 2008 Try to ease into your New Year’s fitness resolutions It is that time of year again, when people look forward to a new year and the “fun” of trying something different. Usually this comes in the form of making New Year’s resolutions that are often in the form of a wish list for changes that they can make. Some of the new resolutions are actually very good and have made changes in a person’s life. Other resolutions are put on a piece of paper and make good conversation topics at gatherings of other resolution makers. While there is no real accounting of how many of those resolutions are kept, it is always fun to at least give a try at something new; and the start of a new year is a logical place to start. Looking back, I can only remember a few of my resolutions that were kept over the years. In high school, one was to never smoke or drink or swear. The “no smoking” resolution has made it through my life. I still keep the other resolutions to a minimum. Plumbing problems and the game of golf seem to be my downfall on the swearing resolution; and an occasional half glass of wine about four times a year negates the “no drinking” one. I try to keep the fitness resolutions, but lately the intensity and motivation for daily exercise will be missed. I have to admit there is a day or two on a weekly schedule that will find me watching a football game instead of going for a walk or run or a trip to the gym to workout. Resolutions are fun, and - for the most part - are well worth the thought of making good resolutions that you can keep for a year. The point is that, if you can do the resolution for a year, then by that time it is part of your lifestyle, and chances are that you will continue it for the rest of your life. Depending on the resolution, and how much of a change in your life it will make, the idea is that making a resolution is a gradual change sometimes. If you want to quit smoking, it may take a few setbacks before you finally quit for good. The same goes for losing weight. Changing a diet is a good start, but an occasional setback of chocolate cravings may not be a reason to quit the effort to keep that resolution. Promising to work out every day is hard for a person who is just starting out on a program of exercise. It is easier to make a resolution that has you working out at least two or three times a week at first. As you become more fit, you will find that you actually look forward to working out, and you will step up the frequency of your workouts without even thinking about it. Some of these resolutions for becoming more fit can be incorporated into your daily life without even thinking of them as being a part of an exercise program. Try walking up stairs instead of taking the elevator. Try walking over to a person in the office to deliver something or talk to them, instead of sending a message on the computer. When shopping, park a little farther away from the store, instead of driving around for five minutes hoping someone will leave a spot that is closer to the store. How about returning your shopping cart back to the store instead of just leaving it by your car? Over time it all adds up to miles walked. Miles walked add up to calories burned, and calories burned add up to pounds lost. Add these little changes in how you do things on a daily basis to the two or three days you do your exercise program, and the next thing you know your resolution for losing weight will be accomplished. If you are already fit and exercise, then add a different form of exercise once in a while. If you are a runner, try riding a bicycle for a workout some days. If you are a weightlifter, you might try going for a long walk, or entering a local 5K race as a change of pace. You still have a few days to think of a good resolution to try for the New Year; and remember to make it one that has a chance of success. Dr. Maurice Johnson - better known around San Marcos as “Moe” - is a professor in the Department of Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance at Texas State University - San Marcos. Moe has been a fixture in the San Marcos running community - both as a runner and race organizer - since way back when Moby Dick was a minnow. His column on running and fitness appears each Sunday in the Sports section of the San Marcos Daily Record. • Recent “Running With Moe” Columns • Home • About the Club • Current News • Club Runs • Places To Run • TX Running Clubs • Running Links • Useful Stuff Upcoming Races • Race Results • Country Roads 10K & Kids Run • ARA-Moe’s Better Half Marathon • “Running With Moe” Contact Us!