It happens every year; January 2nd rolls around and gym parking lots are suddenly packed. The cardio equipment is full and there are lines in front of the strength training equipment. I think everyone that has ever tried to get in shape has experienced this post-new years celebration phenomenon, and yet I don’t think I’ve ever really discovered why people wait until a major milestone date or day of the week to move forward with their health. Myself included.
Sometimes it really does help to set a hard and fast date to make the change but my question is, why are you waiting? Why are you wasting those days when it is your health on the line and making small changes right now is totally possible and really pretty easy. You don’t have to jump right into a training program to improve your health. All you need to do is move more. Have a few minutes after work? Why not go for a walk? If you’ve got a dog, they will love it too and it’s a pretty good way to wind down after a hectic day. If it’s cold or rainy, spend some time taking care of yourself. Pop in that relaxing yoga DVD or visit my favorite free yoga site and pick out a short routine to help you clear your mind and stretch your body.
There is a rule in physics that applies well to fitness and health as well; an object in motion stays in motion. The more you move, the more you’ll want to keep moving, and the more you keep moving, the better you’ll feel. The things I mentioned above are just a start. A well thought out workout plan is critical to obtaining and maintaing your ideal health, but that can be intimidating to jump in to. If you start small, and move more, then there is no need to wait until the new year (or even just Monday) to get yourself in shape. You can do it right now. I mean RIGHT now. Stand up and take a walk to the water fountain if you’re at work, go take the dog outside if you’re at home, or do some good old fashioned gym class style stretches, wherever you are, to get the blood flowing again. You never know where your momentum might carry you.