Workout Tips

Every new year, millions of Americans set fitness goals they have every intention of keeping, such as losing 20 pounds in two months or running five miles a day by Valentine's Day.  Unfortunately, while these goals may seem reasonable, they might actually be a recipe for failure.

 

According to Gold's Gym fitness trainer Mike Ryan, who has trained Mark Wahlberg and The Rock, among various other professional athletes, a realistic mindset is crucial when beginning a fitness plan. "Don't plan to fail, plan to succeed."  Together with its core group of experts, Gold's Gym International has formulated some simple guidelines designed to actually increase personal commitment levels to fitness resolutions and goals for the new year.

 

- Before you decide where you want to go, figure out where you've been: The most important step to a healthy lifestyle is to realistically assess your personal fitness levels.  This is crucial in order to get started with an exercise plan that truly meets your individual needs.

 

- Making the most it: "The trick to a good workout is to make everything you do efficient for your goal, so that you are spending your time working out effectively," said Cathy Sassin, a Gold's Gym nutrition expert. "Consider beginning your fitness goals with a visit to a professional fitness trainer or exercise class to learn how to maximize your time spent working out."

 

- Don't bite off more than you can chew: "When developing your fitness plan, start out by setting short, attainable goals and make them within your limits," recommends Ryan.  "To help you throughout the process, you can take pictures of yourself to see the progress."

 

- Staying the course: T.R. Goodman, Gold's Gym professional fitness trainer for Stanley Cup winner Chris Chelios and renowned boxer Fernando Vargas, suggests making constant reminders of your goals and motivators.  "Put things on your refrigerator, a vacation or wedding date, anything that would remind you to start making progress on your fitness routine."