Summer is the season of Fitness!

Here comes summer! Summer is the season of getting in shape. If your New Years’ resolution went astray, now is the time to recommit to success. One of the best things about fitness is that is never too late to start. Research has shown dramatic improvements in lifestyle of people who begin an exercise program. So get ready, get set, and go!

So how do you start again? First of all think about movement that feels good to your body. Was there any activity in your past that you enjoyed? How can you adapt that activity to something you can do now? For example, if you used to play football what was it about that sport that you enjoyed? Was it the practice sessions, your particular position and what that involved, the strategy of game play, or the team camaraderie that fired you up? As a kid perhaps you simply enjoyed riding your bike and the freedom it gave you. Perhaps in your teens you were into music and dancing. Could that inspire you again?

I strongly suggest that you get something more back from your exercise that just calorie burning. If you live or work by yourself, maybe you need a group activity or a group class for the socialization. If you need to get away from lots of hustle and bustle, maybe you need a solitary run, walk, bike or swim. If you want to feel more peaceful try yoga or Tai chi. If you want to feel more empowered, why not try intense weight training.

Once you have figured out what exercise to do, step up a goal and break it into small steps. Achieving a slimmer and better physique is all about accomplishing small steps. Weekly and monthly goal achievement lead toward major goal success. If you are a runner you first have to run 10 kilometers before you can run a marathon. If you are lifting weights you first have to lift 30 pounds before you can lift 100. If that sounds overly simplistic, it was meant to be, but you must begin where you are now and gradually move up.

If your goal is over challenging, you might get depressed or quit, so make it realistic. However, please make it something that requires you to stretch out of your comfort zone just a bit. Your body will adapt and change and you will get results if you make the effort. Make a sincere and no excuses commitment to change, do the small steps and be ready for a new you!