By Karen Creasey
I teach multiple swim lessons every week, mostly to adults. I tell many of my students that the key to their success, as they learn to swim, is developing a rhythm as they breathe and swim at the same time. Sometimes fitness success comes down to the simplest things. Breathing and doing something else simultaneously is about as basic as we get.
Here are a few more basics to help you be successful in your fitness endeavors.
Set a realistic and measurable goal.
Being realistic means knowing yourself. Keep in mind that overall wellness should become a lifestyle. The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable.
Accountability and Support
Surround yourself with people and situations that support and encourage you and give you motivation to succeed. Form a support system that will not only challenge you, but also encourage you.
Plan Ahead
You may need to set daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly goals that provide a roadmap from which to start. Start small, see positive results, be encouraged, and allow these results to inspire you to achieve even greater accomplishments.
Set Deadlines
Lack of deadlines leaves too much room for avoidance and procrastination, which can lead to the disappointment of unmet goals. Set incremental steps towards the accomplishment of your goal and then establish realistic deadlines to meet those steps.
Track Your Progress
Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help keep you motivated.
Listen to your thoughts
Pay attention to what you think about! Don’t let stinking thinking take you out of the race. Negativity and nagging self-doubt robs you of energy and steals your dreams. Say to yourself: “Today, I am one step closer, I have made some progress”.
Remain Flexible
It is beneficial to re-evaluate from time to time to make sure you are going in the direction that exactly reflects what you want to do. Allow changes along the way.
Rewards Yourself
You did it! You made progress! Celebrate your successes, big and small. Treat yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your goal. Rewards should serve to motivate you to keep going and stay strong.
I firmly believe it’s never too late to try something new. For more trainer tips or an appointment call me at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center 760-565-7467.
