To keep up with your long term commitment to make fitness and wellness a part of all twelve months this year here are some tips:

It’s the start of the new year, 2008, and many have sworn off junk food and bad habits. They have vowed to start working out everyday and make wellness their lifestyle.  There are many known and documented benefits to adopting a healthy lifestyle of exercise, proper diet and good wellness decisions. Many of the benefits of beginning a program of physical activity, such as more energy and improved mood, occur soon after you become more active.  Although there are plenty of benefits in the early stage of exercise and health, some of the most important health benefits have to do with being active over a long period. If you stop exercising and eating properly you quickly lose the fitness you achieved. Being consistent makes the most sense for your health.

To keep up with your long term commitment to make fitness and wellness a part of all twelve months this year here are some tips:

Everyone needs some extra motivation every once in a while, even the most dedicated fitness enthusiast. Expanding your fitness interests is a good way to increase your motivation.  If you once loved playing basketball but find you are bored now, you can try coaching a children’s team or giving instruction in an attempt to renew your interest. Young people and those who are new to a sport often have an enthusiasm for it that you can catch. Youth leagues for organized sports are often seeking good or at least well intentioned coaches. If you love basketball, check out your local YMCA and see if you can get involved.

Competition is another way you can get past your slump. It gives you a specific and measurable goal to work toward. Learning the details of a new course or event and then preparing for it can restore the excitement and challenge that's gone from more familiar competitions. Many people have had an interest in running in a short race or perhaps entering a triathlon and training for either of those in both doable as well as a great exercise regime that anyone can participate in.

Cross-training is an excellent way to not only help keep you interested in fitness but also a great way to keep your body from becoming too comfortable with its routine.  When your body gets used to doing an activity it becomes efficient and the results slow down. Cross training is the combination of various activities to spread the work among various muscle groups. Cross training is also beneficial because it reduces the risk of injuries because the same muscles are not being stressed in the same way during every workout.
Some exercise machines, such as elliptical cross-trainers, can help you cross-train. Or you can use exercise machines that give variety to your program by working muscle groups that aren't heavily used in your primary activity.

Adding variety to a fitness program is another way to keep yourself going this year.  If you are getting bored with walking, try swimming or an aerobics class. If you are bored with your muscle-strengthening exercises, try doing some work around the house or yard.
Vary the place. Try a new route for walking or biking or even a different room for your exercises or stretching. By having several options, you can pick one that suits your mood or schedule.  Vary the time. Do your exercises at different times and for different amounts of time. If you become bored with your noon walk, try exercising in the early morning or after work or school. Instead of doing one 45-minute session, do three 15-minute sessions. Do whatever you need to do so that you are having fun.

Making a lifestyle change that includes fitness is not easy but once you begin to reap the rewards you will definitely feel the effort was worthwhile. 

By Christina Leon, Staff Writer