Start to Fitness: Why exercise resolutions fail

The start of a new year seems to trigger the exercise bug. Resolutions of a firmer, stronger, leaner and healthier self echo through homes and fitness centers around the country. Fitness and exercise equipment seems to fly off the shelves, and fitness facilities can anticipate the influx of current members returning and new member joining.

Fitness industry professionals don’t need a calendar to identify the start of a new year, thanks to the sudden increase in attendance. The same thing happens a few months later, when fitness instructors know it’s spring by the slow but gradual decline of member attendance. Why is this?

It could be tradition. It seems customary to include exercise and fitness into our New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions provide the opportunity to admit to others that we have a desire to feel and look better. The question is what happens between January and April to derail our ambition and goals of leading a healthy lifestyle.

Often the culprit is, believe it or not, honesty. Yes, honesty, because most issues that surround becoming fit and exercising have nothing to do with exercise itself.

People often set themselves up for failure by setting fitness goals that they know will be almost impossible to maintain or continue over a long period of time. This is where honesty with yourself can make the difference in your sticking with your program throughout the year.

Issues of poor self-image, unhappiness, disappointment, stress, poor time management and depression can all get wrapped up in one resolution of “losing weight” or “getting fit.” However, not dealing with these issues individually can prevent you from reaching whatever exercise goal you may desire.

Can exercise be used as a tool to help you cope with these issues? Definitely, but be honest with yourself and don’t confuse your exercise and fitness goals with other goals that can keep you from reaching them.

Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program.