I was recently joined by Certified Personal Trainer, NHTI Cross Country Coach, and Fitness Coordinator at Northeast Delta Dental, Tom Walton on Northeast Delta Dental Radio. We spoke about the concept of change: how to make change feel more comfortable and changes for a healthier life in 2016. The thing about change is that it isn’t easy – for anyone! I believe in small changes over time as I find that too many “big” changes at once become overwhelming and can hinder success. Slow, small, changes, are more manageable. An example of where I have reluctantly watched many in my life fail is surrounding a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Health and fitness is a billion dollar industry and I have heard many gym owners apologize to regular patrons for the increase in volume after the New Year, while at the same time explaining that the crowd will dissipate when the “resolution” crowd eventually stops coming. Why does this happen?
Coach Walton would probably say the reason this happens is because many who resolve to lose weight in the New Year, have gone straight to the Action phase of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Behavioral Change, instead of first enduring the Pre-Contemplation, Contemplation, and Preparation stages.
Additionally, many turn to “quick fixes,” and so-called miracle diets. As you will hear Coach Walton mention, there is not a quick fix or a “silver bullet.” The best way to lose weight is to increase your physical activity level, reduce your calorie intake, and be consistent. To do so, it is important that your exercise of choice is something you can enjoy doing for an hour or so each day. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t do it, and you won’t meet your goals!
If you have goals to improve your health this year, I commend you. How have you prepared yourself to make this change?
Click here to listen to my complete conversation about exercise and fitness goals with Coach Walton.
