How to Get Real
Real healthy, that is. Ten steps for actually achieving your health goals in the new year.
by John-Aaron

This year I'm gonna … whatever. Heard it before? Maybe even said it before? What's kept you from reaching those lofty goals, anyway? Chances are it wasn't a lack of desire. Well, this year will be different. Take charge of your health and plan for success this year with the following tips for a fantastic you in 2002!

1) Set a goal: What is your goal? It doesn't work if you say you're going to eat better this year but you don't know whether you want to gain weight or lose it. So, be as specific as possible. Outline what you want to accomplish with your physique, and write it down. Nothing helps you more through the tough times (when you feel like quitting) than being able to review your game plan. Setting your goal gives you direction and guides you through making the right decisions when it comes to your fitness routine.

2) Find a gym: Weight training is a must for healthy living. If you aren't currently a member of a gym, then take time to research your options. Sure, you can always send away for one of those "home gyms" that are always advertised on TV, but, come on, will it really have a chance when the first thing you see when you come home from work is your TV or refrigerator? Probably not. Put your money to better use. Join a gym.

Just make sure that you research your gym options before signing on the dotted line. Make sure the gym suits your equipment or group class needs, that it's nearby either work or home, and that it is clean, safe, and friendly. If it helps, make a list of what's important to you before you approach a gym membership desk, and interview at least three locations before making your final decision. If sales staff apply pressure to have you commit immediately ("We're only extending this special offer for today…"), then mark them off your list and move on. Gyms like these are more interested in their sales numbers than they are in their quality.

3) Get help: There's something to be said about knowing what you know. If you know enough to realize that you plus that weight bar can cause serious injury (even death) to yourself (and possibly innocent bystanders), then you are smart enough to know when it's time to seek the help of a professional. Personal trainers are excellent guides in this area. They can help you set up your weight routine, suggest appropriate cardio training, and walk you through proper form and technique for getting the most out of each exercise.

4) Dress for success: No, I'm not talking "style." No fashion police, please! I'm talking comfort and practicality. Many facilities have mandatory dress codes. Others do not. The perfect rule of thumb is to wear a loose-fitting, sleeved T-shirt, sweat pants (or mid-thigh shorts–sorry, guys, no "Daisy Dukes"), comfortable, well-fitting shoes, and finally, athletic support. Guys: Don't leave anything "hanging." Gals: Don't give yourself a black eye. You know what I mean.

5) Raid the kitchen: Go through your refrigerator and pantry for those foods that are excessively high in fat and low on nutrition. Take these items and throw them out, or donate them to the local food bank. Not making these items readily available will help keep your weight goals intact.

6) Stock wholesome: When you do replace your food items, be sure to restock on wholesome foods that are low in fat, high in fiber, and have the least processing or preservatives possible.

7) Order out: Maybe shopping wholesome or even cooking is completely out of the question. There are many pre-prepared food services that you can choose from. These places take care of everything for you and arrange to have all of your meals delivered right to your front door! Diet Gourmet, Smart Meals, and Epicurean Delight are just a few that come to mind.

8) Be faithful: To your cardio. It's not uncommon for novices to believe that, through weight training alone, fat can be transformed into muscle. This is not the case. Fat is fat, and nothing else. If you want to get rid of it, you must burn it off. That means consistently adding cardio (walking, jogging, swimming, etc.) to your weight-training routine. Don't let this part of your routine slack. It really makes a world of difference.

9) Plan your reward: Be good to yourself. For some, just reaching their goal is reward enough. For others, it calls for nothing less than a "I'm great"-fest! So, go ahead and celebrate. Good reward ideas could include getting a massage, buying a new outfit, or taking a weekend vacation to some place relaxing.

10) Re-assess: Speaking of rewards, don't forget to reward yourself with a new goal! Ask yourself, "Where should I go next?" Maybe you want to improve on the progress you've just made, or maybe you just want to maintain it. In either case, re-assess your goals to insure your continued success.

John-Aaron is a nationally certified personal trainer, member of the International Association of Fitness Professionals, and owner of Houston’s Muscle Mechanics, a personal fitness training and nutritional guidance facility. He can be reached at Musclemech@aol.com.