Yes, it usually is a few weeks before resolutions begin to fall short. Why? Research shows that it takes only fourteen days for you to get bored. In just weeks, momentum has peaked and old habits trickle back in. It takes twenty one days of performing a new behavior before it begins to become a sub conscience habit. Some people think that I love to diet and exercise and that is why I can stay fit. Not so. What do I do that makes me consistent? It has to do with the cost and benefit of exercise. Simply put, the moment I see high fat food or feel too tired to exercise, I immediately know how I will feel if I don't stick to my program. When I don't eat well my body suffers and then my mood suffers. I have had enough trials and errors to know I dislike being out of shape. I know nothing taste as good as fit feels, nothing... so the work is worth it to me. This thought process takes time. Give yourself about six weeks of consistent workouts and a good diet to lay a foundation. Once you begin to feel and see the results, reward yourself. Buy a nice outfit or something else that will encourage your work and to show off your new body. Getting into the mind set of consistent workouts takes time. Remember, the body comes before the mind. When you are mentally arguing whether or not to train, most times you will lose and you will not train. The mind is powerful! It’s a tough mental game but over time, you can train yourself to force the body to go first, and soon, the mind will follow. When you are talking yourself out of your program, force yourself to go to do it, whether it’’ to go to the gym or out for a walk. Think small. Cut your workouts in quarters. Go and sweat for just a few minutes. Bring down your expectations, significantly. You will be surprised at how easy getting through your workouts will be. Again, push through mental excuses and just do it. It will take several successful attempts of getting through the mind games before it gets easy. Once you begin to feel the results of pushing through the resistant and negative chatter, you will feel the results and a sense of accomplishment and confidence will follow. The mind will comprehend that the physical energy results in a fit body. Ultimately, you will spend much less time mentally arguing about whether to exercise or not. Keep the motion going and when you feel the resistance, push through it. Your positive results and fit body will be the benefit you need in order to continue your hard work.

Marcie Fraser, MPH
Health Reporter
Capital News 9
518-641-7358