Did you allow yourself to indulge more than usual this holiday? If so, you may be tempted to set lofty fitness resolutions because you want quick weight-loss results.

Well, get real! Setting goals that are too lofty is not only bad for your health; it’s also bad for your success rate. Life Fitness explains that you must first set realistic goals and focus your efforts on the reachable stepping stones.
Setting a goal to lose 20 pounds in two weeks is lofty; giving yourself two to three months to take off 20 pounds is more attainable. Aim for a two-pound weight loss per week, and try to think in only two-pound increments so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Be proud of your progress for every two pounds you lose and you will steadily reach your goal!
Achieving your goals is often tied to self-awareness. If you haven’t been working out at all, don’t make a resolution to work out daily – be more realistic and aim for three times a week at first. Once you are routinely exercising three times a week, take it up to four.
It’s all about setting yourself up for wins so you don’t get defeated.
Set small goals that you build upon, one at a time. For example, this month aim to add strength training to your routine; next month try a new piece of fitness equipment; the following month try a new fitness class each week.
Before you know it, you will have multiple healthy habits and great options for staying motivated this New Year. Remember, keeping fit is a lifetime pursuit and doesn’t have to be accomplished overnight.
Before you know it, you will have multiple healthy habits and great options for staying motivated this New Year. Remember, keeping fit is a lifetime pursuit and doesn’t have to be accomplished overnight.
Fit Tips are provided by Life Fitness, the leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality exercise equipment for fitness facilities and homes worldwide. For more information on Fit Tips and other fitness advice and expertise visit www.lifefitness.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lifefitness or join our Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/lifefitness.