BODY BY DESIGN'S Mark Misner

A HEALTHY NEW YEAR 2012!

I would like to be among the first to wish you and your Tampa family a very healthy New Year. Welcome to 2012. As a personal fitness trainer, the arrival of the New Year is an exciting time. It is the time when most people take a fresh look at their goals and resolve to achieve success in various aspects of their lives.
I get excited when my clients include me as an integral part of their health and fitness goals. After accumulating over 23 years of experience, I would welcome the opportunity to pass along successful tips to maximizing your goal achievement.
Set your goals: First and foremost, you must take a few minutes to set your goal(s). I have seen a far greater commitment to achievement when there is a clearly stated, written goal. To simply say "I would like to lose a few pounds this year" is merely a wish; one that usually does not come true. In my experience, I have found that the most committed individuals are brides to be! These young ladies have a crystal clear vision of themselves in their wedding dresses and they know that there will be photos and videos that will permanently capture that special day. One Important factor is that they have a very specific time frame in which to meet their goal.
Detail your goals: To maximize your success, goals should be realistic, definite and measurable. Compare the previous example "I would like to lose a few pounds this year" to a goal statement that is soundly developed. "I am going to lose an average of one pound per week for the next 10 weeks. Then, keep that weight off over the subsequent six months." This is a clear, concise goal you can achieve.
• Well thought out and obtainable: Lose an average of 1 pound per week for 10 weeks.
• Unrealistic: Lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks. • Nondefinable: Lose some weight this year.
• Not measurable: I would like to get more toned and leaner this year.
Take Action: Once you have clearly stated your goals, it is time to develop the action steps that will lead you toward these goals. In other words, goals without actions are merely "hopes," "wishes" and "dreams." Continuing with our weight loss example of "1 pound a week for 10 weeks goal," the main action steps should likely be stated as:
1. Challenging strength training sessions 2-3 days per week.
2. Heart pumping aerobic activity of 20-45 minutes on 5-6 days of the week.
3. A healthy, balanced dietary approach. This program will need to have a consistent level of reduced calories.
Maintain Focus: You have your health and fitness goals stated and the action steps are detailed. Your next move is to develop a tunnel vision to make sure nothing stands between you and your achievement. Life requires a tremendous balance between all of your goals and responsibilities. Every minute of every day we make decisions that impact our ability to reach our goals. On a day-to-day basis, our health goals require balancing with the needs of family, career, financial and spiritual, along with all other aspects of life. It isn't always easy, in fact, it is rarely easy.
Achieving challenging, meaningful goals takes hard work, effort, sacrifice and commitment. Successfully meeting heath goals takes a solid, supportive foundation from your family and friends. I can also tell you, it is very much worth every sacrifice and all of the hard work, when you reach your healthier lifestyle. Ultimately, I have had the pleasure of seeing this process succeed here in South Tampa many, many times. While knocking off the pounds and dropping dress sizes was the ultimate and initial goal; being healthier (and all that comes with this) is what really makes for a great quality of life for you and your family.
Set your goals high for 2012. Develop the action steps that will lead you to your goals. Keep focused. Consistently work hard. You will love the results of a healthier lifestyle. You are worth the efforts. Have a wonderful, healthy 2012!