Melissa Paris Fitness

Jan 09, 2014

REAL GOALS

by Melissa Paris

This week on the blog I'm bucking the "New Year, New You" trend and instead focusing on maintenance and management. From fitness to food - I've got you covered...

First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all had an amazing holiday, got plenty of rest and are ready to ROCK in 2014. I always find that January is not only one of the most exciting times of the year, but it can also be one of the most stressful months of the year. Stress Already? I hear you ask? Yes…stress. Between the resolutions you may (or may not) have set for yourself and the “back to work” mayhem - expectations are high. It’s important to realize that it’s ok to slip and if you do - it’s normal. Just make sure you get right back on that horse!

REAL RESOLUTIONS.
It’s easy to get swept up in the “New Year. New You.” mindset. Don’t get me wrong, the New Year is the perfect time to start fresh - but it’s important to set REAL GOALS that you can actually achieve.

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I WANT LOSE WEIGHT
Great! But make sure you set a realistic target that you can roadmap your way to AND maintain. For example: “I want to lose 20lbs.”

1. Start your weight loss plan with an “Achievement Date” in mind.
[March is realistic, with a controlled diet and solid workout plan]

2. Start a Food Diary and record everything you eat, with a weekly weigh in.
[I post recipes on my Instagram - follow me for updates!]

3. Start your workout routines slowly and sensibly.
Going to the gym every day for the first 2 weeks in January may seem like a good idea - but can you MAINTAIN - that pace? Aim to workout 4-5 days a week.
[4 days cardio/strength training, 1 day Yoga]

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I WANT TO STRESS LESS
Stress is a major contributor to weight gain and fatigue. It’s important to manage your time efficiently so that you can unwind and take time for yourself.

1. Power Off at 9pm
Emails, Texts, Social Networks and TV - shut ‘em down and try to “just be” at least an hour before bed. Try it for a week - you won’t believe the difference it can make.

2. Breathe
That’s right…breathe. It’s a little known fact that we hold our breath throughout the day more than we realize. Be sure to take long deep breaths at key points during the day (Morning, Noon, Evening and Night). You can call them “Breathe Breaks”! TIPS HERE

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I WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL
It’s a blanket statement - but it’s something that everyone craves. There maybe road bumps - but don’t let them get in your way!

1. Create a list of things you want to be successful in - career, life, love - you name it write it down.
Once you’ve written all your success goals down - start to think about what steps you can take to achieve them. REAL STEPS, no matter how big or small.

2. Share your list with a close friend or loved one.
Saying it out loud - makes it all the more real.
You can also motivate each other to take the right steps.

I know I’m just touching the tip of the iceberg - but I wanted to share them with you. Happy New Year - let’s do this!

Watch the shape video