I want to be honest about something, and it is some proof of how the health and fitness lifestyle can change you. I've gone through a lot of tough times over the last 7 years, and previous Christmas's and New Year's, I've been guilty of having a few drinks to celebrate (hey, it's Xmas!) but this year has been different. Just after a couple of beers, I'm thinking "yeah, that's enough now", and bare in mind, I'm only 24! many 24 year old's get hammered at Xmas! But in the back of my mind I kept thinking about my fitness and physique, and telling myself "it's not worth it...". Some people may call me boring for not getting plastered at Xmas and new year, but I still had a great time, and didn't pile on a load of 'booze calories'. I know many trainers and health enthusiasts who still enjoy having alcohol at Xmas, as it only comes around once a year.
I'm sure many of you have a New Year's resolution of getting fit/losing body fat/increasing muscle mass/ or improving on what you already have. I'm the same. I want to carry on in the direction I am with my physique. We're all in the same boat!
One piece of advice I would like to give you, is to set periodic goals. Don't just go into the year thinking "must lose weight!". Instead, try and set smaller goals, for example - "By March, I want to be 'x' amount of pounds down, then by June I want to shed the excess fat, and then start to build some muscle mass". That way you have smaller, more manageable goals. Just one goal of 'lose 8 stone' can very quickly and easily become overwhelming.
Don't be one of those people who quits their (sometimes too ambitious) New Years resolution. Break the main goal down, get rid of any negativity, have a clear out of your surroundings and your mind so you start the year in a positive frame of mind, and able to tackle your resolution the right way.
I hope all of you had a fantastic Xmas and a great start to the New Year! Don't let things go downhill from here....!
Lee Gregory Fitness
