It’s easy to say you’re going to work out. It’s much more difficult to actually make it happen. Failed workout plans add up and eventually you give up. That New Year’s Resolution, despite your best intentions, is a bust. Here’s how to develop a realistic fitness plan you will stick with.

Step One: Identify fitness routines or programs you might enjoy

One of the biggest reasons people don’t stick with their fitness plan is because they don’t enjoy it. They may actually go so far as to say they hate it. If you hate it then you’re not going to do it. There’s no reason to torture yourself. There are many fun activities that are healthy too. Consider:

• Dance
• Martial arts
• Swimming
• Walking/Hiking
• Cycling
• Yoga

Make a list of the fun activities you enjoy or might enjoy. Look around your community for opportunities to explore or add these activities to your day.

Step Two: Find small bits of time in your schedule to exercise

The best way to make fitness a habit is to approach it realistically. Trying to exercise for an hour each day when you’ve never exercised before may be a bit too much. Instead, try to exercise for ten or fifteen minutes a day. Or if you’ve signed up for a class, then fit that class into your schedule once or twice a week. The other days, exercise for ten or fifteen minutes. Making exercise a daily habit makes it much easier to embrace permanently.

Step Three: Celebrate your success

Sometimes it’s easier to stick with a plan if you have something to celebrate. For example, after a week of successfully working out each day you might reward yourself at the end of the week. Find a reward that’s motivating and still supports your overall fitness goals. For example, you can get a massage at the end of the week. You might purchase a new fitness outfit.

Finally, consider tracking your success. When you can see what you’ve accomplished it can be extremely motivating. You’ll be able to see the progress you’ve made. Track the workouts you’ve accomplished. Track the weight you’ve lost. Consider tracking your feelings about each workout too. For example, was it easy or hard? What level of exertion did you feel? How did you feel the next day or after the workout?

Developing a realistic fitness plan is about managing your expectations. It’s about finding something you enjoy. Track and celebrate your success. Acknowledge that every day may not be perfect or successful but over time you can and will succeed. To your success!

As we approach the end of 2009 and embrace the possibilities of 2010, your journey toward wellness needs to shift into high gear. Your health is your responsibility and must be a continual work in progress. Following these 5 steps during the first 10 days of the New Year will position you for success regardless of where you are in your wellness journey. 

Self Awareness- In order to achieve personal wellness you must become aware of your current state of health. Understanding the dimensions of wellness and the integration of mind, body, spirit is very important.

Visualize your success- Identify what wellness looks like for YOU! Visualizing your goal(s) will make it personal and easier to pursue. Creating a vision board keeps the goal(s) alive and real.

 Make a plan- After you have identified and visualized your goal, make a plan for success. Keep it simple, realistic, and achievable. Give yourself a deadline, re-evaluate and make changes as needed.

 Be proactive about your health- Be sure to schedule your annual checkups with your Health Care Practitioner. This is another important healthy lifestyle feature as it ensures that you are on the right path of health and wellness. During your visit, discuss risk factors and preventive measures which are pertinent to your wellness journey.

 Create balance- Although you are on a wellness journey, creating a sense of balance is crucial to avoid abandonment due to frustration. Working with an accountability partner, health/wellness coach, or attending group empowerment sessions can reduce your stress level, provide feedback and identify new strategies.

 Wellness is a journey that requires a connection of two paths: knowledge and action. Both need to be present to reach your goal of optimal health and well-being. The “Healthy 10” is a starting point or a refresher for those already on the journey!

 Think healthy thoughts and Welcome in 2010!