The next time you are taking a bathroom selfie, check your resolve in the mirror as well! We are about halfway through January, so now is the perfect time to check in on our New Year’s Resolutions. January always brings about big dreams and major plans, myself included. Research reveals however, that only about 8% of people in 2016 kept their resolutions. Together let’s make this year different, make it the year we follow our dreams and achieve our goals, with a little help of course!
Most resolutions fail because they all lack certain qualities and direction. Here are a few tips on how to set SMART goals, allowing you to fulfill all of those promises you made to yourself this year. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
Losing weight and getting in shape is always one of the top resolutions in America. However, it can mean so many different things. It is undefined and vague. Focus on how you will get in shape, such as 30 minutes of weight training 3 times per week. You can even set mini goals for each day, such as 10 minutes of walking or no soda pop all day. This will allow you to celebrate all the small wins, propelling you to your larger goals.
How you keep track of your goals is equally important. In this case, a picture is worth more than one thousand words! When I am prepping for a show, I take progress pictures every week, comparing myself to the week before. The scale isn’t always a good indicator, especially when putting on muscle. But whatever method you choose, be consistent with it. Patience is a virtue; one I did not always possess. I can’t say enough how consistency is key. Do not give up before you have given your body enough time to realize the changes you are making.
Sharing your goals with friends and family who will be supportive is another way to ensure your success. This doesn’t mean you must put it on Facebook daily or it doesn’t count… But trust me, having someone there to encourage you will go a long way. Conversely, when you have a bad day and get off track, it doesn’t mean your plan is ruined. It means you slipped up and now you have a chance to be even better. One mistake doesn’t sabotage your fitness, the same way as one healthy choice doesn’t cancel out a lifetime of unhealthy choices.
Above all, let this be the year you turn health and fitness into your lifestyle and not just your resolution. Be consistent with a few small changes at a time and you will be amazed at your results. Incorporating sports nutrition into your plan is a great way to boost your workouts. I use PEAK ATP each morning and HMB throughout the day and before bed. The combination of these two supplements allows me to recover quicker and hold onto lean muscle while burning fat. I would love to hear about your resolution success and how adding HMB and Peak ATP gave you the results you were looking for!
– Danyelle Mastarone, NPC Figure Competitor