5 Steps to a Successful New Year's Resolution

So here we are.....

Just a few days away from 2009 and all those new year resolutions, but just how long are they going to last this year?

Are you like most people who, to be fair, really want to stick to that new diet, or break from alcohol, or no cigarette pledge, but after a week or so find themselves doing exactly what they said they wouldn't.

So why is that? Why are these resolutions so hard to keep up?

I think it's because people are way too vague when they start something new. It doesn't have to be a new year, I see it all the time with people who want to lose body fat or build muscle. With that in mind I usually get new clients to follow the following 5 steps. Does it work? Let's have a look at the 5 steps first.....

1) Know exactly what you want.
It really doesn't work if you are vague here. Most people really don't know how much weight they want to lose and in what amount of time. They'll say something like "I want to lose a few pounds before the summer..." This won't cut it people. Be definite here, "I want to lose 15 pounds of weight by the 31st of March 2009!!" Now we have a definite goal and target date. This person is much more likely to hit the goal than the first.

2) Know exactly why you want it.
You need to take ego out of the equation here and be very honest with yourself. People usually have different reasons why they want something so don't be led by the crowd. To be honest this can be very uncomfortable to do but is an essential step to follow.

3) Know the price.
We're not just talking about the financial cost here. Changing body composition will usually mean lifestyle alterations and dietary change. A big price to pay for some but would it be worth it to finally have the health and physique you crave? Thought so!!

4) Be willing to pay the price.
So you've decided what you want, why you want it, and what it will cost. Now are you willing to do it? A lot decide NO!! I was once told that champions do everyday what losers do occasionally. They are the one's who put on their trainers and head out into the dark and cold to do their interval sprints while everyone else has 30 minutes more in a warm soft bed!!!

5) Pay the price
If there is a financial cost, get the money out of your wallet / purse and pay it. If you have to avoid wheat and dairy for a few weeks then make sure you do. A bit of short term displeasure can mean the difference between success and failure.

Be that champion in 2009

Paul

Temptations of Christmas

I recently saw a survey that came to the conclusion that over the Christmas break people put on an average of four pounds (approx 2 kgs) of weight.

I guess I can believe that!

So I surveyed some of my clients and came up with a wide ranging figure from losing 2 pounds ( I like that diet!!) to putting on 10!!!

So let's take the extreme figure.

Come Jan 5th (no one starts a diet on new years day!!) if they haven't already, the resolutions kick into full swing and people go at it with avengance! But if they have put on 10 pounds over the break it will take the whole of January (at least) to get back to the pre-xmas bodyweight. Now I don't know about you but most of the people I know have already come off the resolution wagon loooong before the end of the month.

I guess what I'm trying to say is over the Christmas break move your arse!!!

Go for a run, walk, lift some weights or, if you really want to hit the ground running, start the diet on Boxing Day. Give yourself the chance to make 2009 the year you really look after your health.

Paul

is strength a dying trait??

As most of you know I have a passion for all things strength. I just feel it's our birthright to be strong and athletic, and that mother nature/God/whatever you believe in, created us to be that way.

All I see these days is people getting further and further away from being athletic, strong, healthy, vital, and even outdoors. How many people do you know who regularly train outdoors. One of my clients told me they don't do wet grass and mud!! Give me a break!

That's why everyone who comes before me has a big strength component in their programs. I want to see men, women and kids lift their bodyweight in basic exercises like pushups and chins and that's why we are getting fantastic results. Basic exercises with good technique, using as many muscles as possible = tremendous gains and results.... Simple

Stay Strong
Paul

The Big 40!!

As some of you know (and most of you don't) my 40th birthday fast approaches.

Now, I'm told you're only 40 once so, as part of my week long celebrations, we have some great birthday offers for you. As my birthday is at the beginning of January it will be a fantastic opportunity to hit the new year running.

No excuses guys and girls.....

Details to follow

Paul