We’re about 4 weeks into 2012. How many of you made grand resolutions to get into shape or start a new workout routine? How many of you have kept your resolutions this far?
The truth is that resolutions are easy to make, but not so easy to follow through with. Most of them end up left behind and forgotten after just a few days or weeks with guilt. There’s a reason for this.
If you want to have a successful workout routine, the following are a must.
A Plan
Without a plan, your resolution is just a dream. After you decide on what your resolutions will be, take a little time to put together a solid and actionable plan to help you achieve them. Otherwise, you will end up quitting before you even get started.
Variance
When you are putting together you action plan, it is important to make it as variant as possible. The reason for this is simple. If you do the same thing every day, you will almost definitely get bored. Once you get bored with what you are doing, it becomes easier to make excuses. Once you start making excuses, you never get to where you originally wanted to go. Make your routine fun, dynamic and always leave room for new things.
Scalability
One of the great things about following through with a plan is that the things you were doing when you started are much easier as you progress. Just like variance, it is important to have a scalable plan so that you can take it up a notch as your grow. Whether you are putting together a running, weight lifting or other routine, this is very important for the continued success of your workout routine.
Motivation
You need to know why you are doing something before you start doing it. Be clear about what your goals are before you start, and give yourself something to look forward to when you achieve them. For most people, this works best when you break your end goal into smaller chunks with rewards as you hit milestones. Another technique that many use is to use inspirational photos or posters that are placed where you will see them. Whatever you do, use the method that motivates you the most.
Consistency
Above all, you should be consistent. In the long run, working consistently toward your goal is the most important thing that you can do. As soon as you give that up, you start to lose your grasp on the goals that you have worked so hard to reach. Do yourself a favor, and use the tips above to help you reach the goals you crave.
What are some things that you do to make sure you succeed in your resolutions and goals? Let us know in the comments below!
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Pilates is a form of exercise that is currently very popular, and for good reason. Created by Joseph Pilates, this type of exercise places a strong emphasis on a balanced workout routine that develops flexibility and core strength in tandem in order to give you a greater awareness of your body and its movements. While that may sound all well and good, Pilates should not be passed off as an easy feat. It is tough, effective exercise that is practiced by athletes of all skill levels and specialization.
There’s a good chance that you’ve known somebody who is “doing Pilates”, or “headed to Pilates class”. Because it is something that can be molded to any skill level makes it very versatile and a great way for anyone to get fit. Those who practice it claim that they are leaner, stronger and able to do things with more grace than they could before.
Here are 3 reasons why you should try Pilates:
- Increase Core Strength Core strength is the base of all Pilates exercises. Because the core helps you stand upright and are absolutely necessary for all movements, its health and strength are especially important. Pilates is very similar to Yoga in that it is made up of many stretching exercises. It differs from Yoga, however, because it is more fast-paced and based on repetitive, often complex movements.
- Exercise Anywhere Because it requires no equipment to get started, Pilates can truly be practiced anywhere. Just pick up a dvd, or head to a class to get the basics, and you can do your workout anywhere from your home, to the hotel to the gym.
- Greater Flexibility In addition to greater core strength, Pilates also focuses very strongly on building flexibility. Joseph Pilates believed that having strong control over your body based on balance, strength and flexibility was paramount to a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine.
Whether you are a professional athlete, or someone completely new to exercise, Pilates provides a very adaptable and scalable exercise routine that will accomplish nearly everything that you wish to accomplish. With its focus on core strength, balance, flexibility and focus, you will soon develop a strong understanding of what your body can and cannot do as well as a foundation for future exercise and personal physical growth.
Plus, Pilates requires no equipment whatsoever.
Looking for a great Pilates video to help you get started? Click Here
Yoga can be a very relaxing and healing experience for anyone who tries it. Although to many it may seem to be simple stretching, it can be a little daunting when you are first getting started. Because the practice has grown into many forms, it can be incredibly difficult for a newcomer to decide on which type to start with.
We’ll go through a few different forms of yoga to help you decide on the right path.
One of the most important benefits of the stretching, balancing and strengthening exercises used in Yoga (combined with relaxation techniques) is reduced soreness, increased flexibility and a general increased feeling of well-being.
One of the first steps to take, is to buy a good yoga mat. By investing in the practice, and taking this type of initiative, you are taking the first positive step towards starting a lasting yoga routine.
Once you’re ready to get started, you need to decide on a style. Here’s a quick overview of the different styles of yoga:
Vinyasa Yoga – A very relaxing form of Yoga, which focuses on flow through the harmonization of breathing and movement.
Hatha Yoga – This is a great place to start for beginners. The focus of Hatha Yoga is on breathing and alignment, two of the most important pieces of any Yoga style.
Iyengar Yoga – This style utilizes many props when performing different postures. The main focus is on precision, making the props very helpful to any beginner.
Ashtanga Yoga – Made up of a series of postures, Ashtanga uses a faster paced flow when moving from pose to pose.
Kundalini Yoga – The main focus of this style is energy and breathing, with fast posture transitions.
Gentle Yoga – The name says it all. This style is definitely ideal for beginners.
Hot Yoga – Although this style uses easier postures and muscle movements, it is performed in a heated room to promote sweating.
Because Yoga can be difficult to get into, it’s important to talk to someone you know who practices if at all possible. If you can, find a Yoga buddy and join a class. As with any other workout routine, it’s important to stay motivated, and this is one of the best ways possible.
Whether you are learning from instructional videos, books or from a Yoga instructor, there is a wealth of information out there for beginners. Choose a style, start slow and stick with it.
What’s your favorite Yoga style? Let us know in the comments!
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