Resolutions: Have you got what it takes?

It happens every single year without fail: Gyms across the country are overwhelmed with New Year’s resolutionists, beginning their “I’m really going to do it this time” workout routines bright and early January 1. To a year-round gym-goer like myself, the difference is quite stark. Just a few days before, I could get on a piece of cardio equipment or use a bench without delay. Now I have to stand around and wait for equipment to become available. Does it annoy me? Sure, but the softie in me is also feeling warm and fuzzy about all these people who have decided to improve their health and quality of life. Unless I’m in a really crummy mood, I don’t mind being inconvenienced if it means others have also finally decided to invest some time and effort into their health.

Unfortunately, a large portion of these newly motivated individuals is gone by the end of the month. Despite the huge spike in sales of about 30 percent at the start of the year, by the end of the December only 40 percent of gym members will still have (and actually use) their gym membership. What the hell happened to all those driven individuals?

I’m not a psychologist, so take my observations and suggestions with a grain of salt, but over the past several years I’ve witnessed a few common reasons new trainees lose steam.

Problem 1: Unrealistic goals.

Losing massive amounts of fat or gaining noticeable muscle mass in just a few weeks isn’t doable.

Solution: Set small, achievable goals. Realize that losing 1–2 pounds of fat or adding a few pounds to your weighted exercises is a big deal. There is nothing wrong with dreaming big, but realize that you aren’t Superman. Also, eating habits are crucial. It is damn near impossible to out-exercise a bad diet.

Problem 2: Having no goals at all.

It is hard to achieve anything without any sort of focus. How can one stay motivated if they don’t even know what they are trying to accomplish?

Solution: Again, set small goals. Use a journal to record workouts and observe progress. This makes it much easier to remain motivated.

Problem 3: Laziness!

New trainees find excuses and rationalization to skip their workouts.

Solution: This can be approached two ways. One either has to visualize and connect with how good they will feel after achieving their fitness goals or they need scare themselves into action. Reading about the obesity “epidemic” or reading about the pains of chronic preventable disease can be great motivators.