Eastlife January 2019

Goal-setting
So, you’ve made your New Year’s
resolution, you’re prepared to start
the journey but now what? What’s the
next step? Get some clear goals in
your mind around what it is you want
to achieve and make it specific. It’s
not enough just to say you want to
be healthier. If you don’t know what
you want to achieve, how can you
work towards it? Do you want to lose
weight, if so, how much? Do you want
to improve your fitness, then in what
sense – cardio, strength or stamina?
Maybe you’ll even stop smoking. Do
you want to improve your diet? Will
you do that by reducing your alcohol or
sugar consumption? Be clear on what
it is you want to achieve, so it will give
you focus and something measurable
to work towards.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
and think outside the box
Now your goal is set, consider your options for achieving
that. Are you confident that you will achieve those goals
on your own or do you need professional advice and
guidance? This is where some people will fail to maintain
their resolution. You may be motivated at the start of the
year but as that motivation starts to fade, do you have
the drive to keep going or will you need someone to
give you that extra push? Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
That might be in the form of a personal trainer, dietician,
therapist or health professional. Don’t feel pressured into
thinking you have to do things on your own. It’s our job
to provide advice and guidance, so why not take
advantage of that?
Additionally, joining the gym isn’t your only option to
get fit and healthy. There are freelance personal trainers,
fitness classes, community groups, parkruns, sports clubs,
workshops and more...think outside the box!
Health
Be prepared for challenges
Working towards a healthy lifestyle is not going to be
easy. If you really want to make those healthy habits
long-term, it requires effort and more often than not there
will be hiccups along the way. I haven’t worked with a
client yet, who hasn’t encountered an occasional speed
bump. So don’t be harsh on yourself if you do reach a
challenge. The worst thing you can do is self-criticise. Take
the opportunity to reflect. Once you’ve given some time
to understand what may have caused that hiccup, think
about what you will do to keep working towards your
goal. Don’t give up at that first hurdle.
Wellbeing
Finally, bear in mind that being healthy doesn’t just mean
being physically fit, eating well, drinking less or stopping
smoking. It also includes healthy mental wellbeing. Losing
weight may help you with your self-confidence or improve
your self-esteem but don’t ignore other reasons which
may be causing you to feel that way. It’s important to take
time to work on our mental wellbeing, just as much as our
physical health. You may work extremely hard to achieve
a physical target but if you are still experiencing feelings
of anxiety or depression at the end of it, have you really
achieved your overall goal?
If you would like further advice or want
to learn more about the healthy lifestyle
coaching and personal training services I
offer, please contact me at
tbeecroft.fitpro@hotmail.com
www.personaltrainer-norfolk.co.uk
Facebook @tessafitpro
Instagram @tessa_fitpro
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