The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Wrirter

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

ONE of the biggest issues people have with resolutions, as we all know, is being able to stick with them over the course of the year. Many people make resolutions at the beginning of a year but fail in keeping them after a certain period.

However, certified exercise physiotherapist Sharad Johnson and Sakina Sands, a health coach at the Bahamas Medical Centre, have some helpful advice as to how people can accomplish their fitness goals in 2015.

They both presented recently during the Doctors Hospital Distinguished Monthly Lecture Series that focused on ‘New Year’s Resolutions: Making It Stick This Year’.

Mr Johnson said one of the key points to following through with New Year’s resolutions is having a mindset where you are in it for the “for the long run”.

“At times we make our resolutions and we have to decide what is the motivation. Some people are motivated by lifestyle change, some are motivated to lose weight, some people want to achieve a healthy body and some people just want to get active,” he said.

In order to break down barriers to achieving your fitness goals, Mr Johnson said focusing on one or goals at a time is best.

“This is where you are measuring your steps and this is when you have prioritise. There are 1,440 minutes in every day. Schedule 30 to 60 minutes of them to get active to go to the gym or engage in any exercise activity. Most of the time people say they have very little time, they have to deal with their kids, and many other excuses. Scheduling time to get active is very important,” he said.

Mr Johnson said taking it slow is also important, as setting goals that are too ambitious has a lot to with people not being able to stick with their plans and obtain real results in there lives.

“Do not put the 10 to 20 pounds on your shoulder. You have to understand that you will not get fit in one day and it is not going to happen over night. Getting fit takes time,” he said.

While there are numerous activities that people can engage in to help them get fit, Mr Johnson suggests participating in activities that best suit you.

“Create the best atmosphere and decide what works for. Is it a nice facility? Is it a certain fitness class? Is it working with a trainer? Is there something specific you have been looking to do, or is it something that is a little bit more relaxing for example like walking? So create your own atmosphere and set a time. We all know what our schedules are and we know what our top goals are. We know when is the best time for us,” he said.

Mr Johnson said another good tip is to get out of your comfort and engage in fitness activities you would not regularly engage in.

“Get out of your comfort zone and it is all about trying something new. You can do a fitness programme, training swimming, boot camp, aerobics classes, but the key is to do something new,” he said.

“Also change up your routine. Run on mile a day, do some strength training, or if you want you can do an aerobics class; it can be relaxing.”