EDMONTON- It’s the number one resolution made each year: get active and lose weight.
A recent Ipsos poll found nearly three quarters of New Year’s resolutions fail because there’s too much focus on weight.
“If you’re looking at the numbers on the scale, they may not be moving at all so how demotivating is that?” says Lisa Workman an exercise professional. She suggests,
“picking up something you’ve enjoyed in the past and something you know you can do and then just build from there.”
But the key to exercise motivation may ultimately lie in asking yourself why you want to be active.
“If they do find that, ‘why?’ I really think it becomes more of a lifestyle than just a one-off January resolution,” says Workman.
Workman is the creator of www.whyimove.com, a website full of inspirational stories sure to get you moving.
The reasons vary. Some of the posts are from cancer survivors. Others write about their goals like climbing a mountain. And others yet say they just want to live a long, healthy life or enjoy their grandchildren.
“Going beyond the weight and being more about, ‘what do I get from my physical activity? Is it taking me into nature? Is it my stress buster? Is it my way to connect with my spouse?’ Those are more of a higher level of reason why to be physically active,” says Workman.
Workman adds setting goals is important. She suggests breaking down your goals into short, medium, and long term.
- Short term: What will get you out of the door right now?
- Medium term: Looking ahead to the summer, what do I want to do to stay active?
- Long term: In the future I want to have my health, mobility, and a long life.
Most importantly: be realistic and specific. Workman suggests asking yourself where you’re going to exercise and when. And what are you going to do? Run, walk, take a class?
Workman’s other helpful tips: challenge yourself on a regular basis, like weekly or monthly. Track your progress on a calendar or fitness app and share your goals with family and friends so they can encourage you.
“Take a look at what you can do today,” Workman says. “Build on what you’re already doing.”
With files from Su-Ling Goh, Global News.
Comments