We all know that with each new year comes new goals and resolutions. We all start out picturing ourselves at the end of the year having healthier bodies, healthier finances, giving back, serving more and spending more time with our family. Sadly, by mid-February we are struggling to keep up with at least one of the goals on our list. One of the hardest goals to keep, I have found, is getting and staying in shape. I hope the following list helps you stay on track and get where you want to be. My prayer for you in 2013 is that the Lord blesses you immensely and no matter what goals you have set forth that you will live by Proverbs 3:5-6 and trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Happy NEW YEAR!
1. Start slow & Stay Consistent. Don't push yourself past what you know is your best. Rushing the process of getting into shape could end up in an injury.
2. Find something you love to do. There are so many different options for work outs today that there is something for everyone. Whether you are into Zumba, running, bootcamps or Pilates, find something you love and it will be easier to stay consistent.
3. Go to bed on time and get up on time. The hardest part of getting going is getting up. It is easier if you get a good nights sleep and are rested. It allows your body to not only burn more calories and for your muscles to recover but it also helps put a little pep in your sleepy step. :)
4. Set your alarm and actually get up. Pick a time that you will get up at consistently. Try not to start too early if you are not a morning person. Pick a reasonable time that works with your family and work schedule and go from there.
5. Stay positive and give thanks. Understanding that getting "fit" is a process takes the pressure off to try and change overnight. Remember, you did not gain the weight over night and you will not lose it over night. One thing that I have found helpful is giving thanks to the Lord for the way our bodies are made in such amazing ways and thanking him for creating me in such a unique way. ( Psalm 139)
6. Drink Plenty of Water. This helps keep you hydrated and healthy. Each person actually needs 1 ml of water for each calorie consumed. There are approximately 30 ml in an ounce. Therefore, for every 30 calories we et, we need one ounce of water. If we consume 2000 calories per day, we should consume 2000 ml of water, which equals approximately 66 ounces of water, or a little more than eight 8-ounce glasses of water.
7. Listen to your mama, "Don't skip breakfast". This is the most important meal of the day because it is the first meal that gets you going for the day. It starts the burning of calories and helps get your metabolism going. Studies show that those who skip breakfast end up snacking more and eating larger meals at night and gain more weight than those who eat a healthy, balanced breakfast.
8. Give yourself a break and a cheat day. Getting healthy is not a magical pill that you take and all of a sudden you have lost 50 lbs and gained loads of energy, it is a life style change. With any change comes hurdles and different ways of thinking. In changing your work out and eating habits you need to give yourself a day or meal that you are able to take a break. This not only allows you to stay on course longer and gives you something to look forward to but it also gives you a chance to "surprise" your body. At times this allows your body to kick into high gear to burn the extra calories and ends up burning a couple extra :)
Go here to see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness} series.
 About the Author: Lauren Barksdale is the founder of Soul Fitness. She has a BA and Masters in Kinesiology from Dallas Baptist University . She coached volleyball at Birdville High School in North Richland Hills for the last 5 years. In college she played volleyball for Baylor's club team and at Dallas Baptist University. She has been married to Ben Barksdale for 5 years and has two children; Evie Grace who is 3 and Hudson who is 10 months old. Lauren has a passion for health and fitness and incorporating that into everyday life as a Christ follower |
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