It's that time of year to make those pesky resolutions!

"Energy and persistence conquer all things."
~ Benjamin Franklin

This is my annual New Year's post (originally posted in January 2010 but since it's that time of year for resolutions it bears repeating.) Read on...

It's that annual time of year that some of us dread, some of us look forward to and there's even those of us that don't bother with it - New Year's Resolutions time! All together now! Whoohoo! Groan! Mutter. Mutter.

Most of us have been guilty of all 3 behaviors. We make resolutions and don't follow them or break them weeks, months and for some - days or even hours later! It all starts with good intentions but we know the road to hell is sometimes paved with good intentions. Intentions followed by inaction will just lead to that all familiar road of frustration and disappointment that led us to doing the resolution in the first place! It's a good thing to set resolutions (goals), it gives you a roadmap to fixing a bad habit, character/personality flaw, etc. that you are probably more aware of than you'd like to admit. Setting a goal helps you face the thing that you need to fix and helps focus you on what steps you need to do to reach your goal. The problems a lot of people make is setting too big of a goal or setting them in too short or long of a timeframe. When setting a goal, its important to make small attainable goals that take you where you want to be. These smaller goals not only give you easier goals to reach for but also gives you small successes along the way to your overall goal. This progressive way of reaching your goals is efficient, motivating and best of all, seems rather simple. Sometimes simple is better.

So, lets say instead of saying that your goal is to lose 30 pounds this year, say that you want to lose 30 pounds this year and that you will lose 2.5 pounds a month to get there. With saying that you only want to lose 30 pounds, you're leaving the time-frame too open-ended since you are giving yourself a whole year to reach that goal. What will most do? You got it, put it off. Next thing they know, its November and it's too late with all that good holiday food ahead. So, you tell yourself "too late now, might as well start with the new year! That'll be my new year's resolution!". And so the cycle of frustration and disappointment continues and the clock ticks away. Sound familiar? Telling yourself you only have to lose 2.5 pounds a month sure sounds attainable doesn't it? Guess what? After 12 months, you'll have reached your 30 pound weight loss goal! ;)

Now repeat after me - I will set my goals but this time I will make small attainable goals to reach my bigger goal! I will get to where I want to be. I will because I have the roadmap and that gives me confidence that I will do it. Nothing will stop me from changing what I want to change and achieving what I want to achieve.

I'm proud of you. I have a good feeling that you will do what you need to do. Whenever you need a reminder or a motivation boost, come visit and read this entry. It'll be here waiting to motivate you all year long. :)


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I'm here to help inspire you, motivate you and help you reach your fitness goals whether it's to lose weight, gain weight or train for a sport.

I can help you reach your goals & train you in the comfort of your home with my online training system. Affordable. If you are interested in being trained by me with my online training program or want more info, visit my site at www.ezhomefitness.com and use the email link there. I hope to hear from you!

Twitter Q&A

This post is from my twitter daily tips / topic of the day. Follow me on Twitter @ezhomefitness

It's Friday so that means... you guessed it Q&A Friday! Ask me your #diet & #exercise questions!!

Q: What is better, jogging on a treadmill or outside? A: Personal preference. Whatever will get you to do it consistently is the best.

Q: Best things to eat at night? A: Protein snacks or shakes with casein protein instead of whey protein.

Q: Is bread pudding very bad to eat? A: As a one-time treat during the holidays and eating a moderate piece, no. Beyond that, yes.

Q: I'm 50 pounds overweight, should I tone down or lose weight? A: Use weights as part of your exercise program & tone as you lose weight.

Q: I want to lose 25 pounds before the new year, can it be done? A: No, not safely. Losing weight should be a gradual steady process.

#Quote of the day: Life is a grindstone, and whether it grinds you down or polishes you up is for you and you alone to decide - Cavett Robert


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I'm here to help inspire you, motivate you and help you reach your fitness goals whether it's to lose weight, gain weight or train for a sport.

I can help you reach your goals & train you in the comfort of your home with my online training system. Affordable. If you are interested in being trained by me with my online training program or want more info, visit my site at www.ezhomefitness.com and use the email link there. I hope to hear from you!

Twitter topic of the day: Do you know how to get through the holidays without gaining weight?

This post is from my twitter daily tips / topic of the day. Follow me on Twitter @ezhomefitness

My #questionoftheday is: do you know how to get through the holidays without gaining weight?

The holidays, a great time of year, for spreading cheer, visiting friends/family & for eating/gaining weight! Sorry to ruin the mood but you know it's true! Holidays are good excuses for going off diets, falling off diets & binge eating. Don't fall into the trap! You'll only feel guilty about it & then have to play catch up in the new year. Get your new year off to a good start by showing yourself you can do it through the holidays. If you can do it then, there's no reason to not be able to do it throughout the year. Stick to a dietary outline, enjoy your holiday food but don't go carb crazy. Make sure to eat in moderation! Always eating in moderation is key but even more so during the holidays. Make sure you continue to do your exercise & cardio program. I know the holidays are a busy time so a little slacking off is OK but do not miss more than 2 days in a row. Rearrange your exercise/cardio schedule to work around your holiday schedule. Plan ahead and you can get it all done! You can get through the holidays with minimal or no weight gain if you just make up your mind to do so. Get a headstart on your weight loss goals for 2012 by doing your body right during the holidays. It can be done. You can do it. Make sure you save me some of that holiday fruit cake! ;)

#Quote of the day: Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do. - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

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I'm here to help inspire you, motivate you and help you reach your fitness goals whether it's to lose weight, gain weight or train for a sport.

I can help you reach your goals & train you in the comfort of your home with my online training system. Affordable. If you are interested in being trained by me with my online training program or want more info, visit my site at www.ezhomefitness.com and use the email link there. I hope to hear from you!

Twitter Q&A

This post is from my twitter daily tips / topic of the day. Follow me on Twitter @ezhomefitness

It's Friday so that means it's Q&A Friday!! That means you get to ask me your #diet & #exercise questions! Ask away!

Q: What is the best ab exercise? A: Hanging leg raises but not easy to do since you need a bar to hang from, etc.

Q: How do I survive the holiday food binge? A: MODERATION. Eat in moderation and don't stop exercising throughout the holidays.

Q: What is the difference between white & wheat bread? A: White bread is processed and breaks down in the body differently than wheat bread resulting in a blood sugar spike. Wheat bread breaks down in the body with better effect on blood sugar.

Q: I'm a beginner, how many days should I work out? A: To start, 3-4 days per week and build up to 5 days of exercise, 2 days for rest.

Q: Is exercise really good for stress like they say? A: Yes. It helps the body release muscle tension, stimulates the nerves, etc.

#Quote of the day: The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. - E.E. Cummings

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I'm here to help inspire you, motivate you and help you reach your fitness goals whether it's to lose weight, gain weight or train for a sport.

I can help you reach your goals & train you in the comfort of your home with my online training system. Affordable. If you are interested in being trained by me with my online training program or want more info, visit my site at www.ezhomefitness.com and use the email link there. I hope to hear from you!

Twitter topic of the day: Are you all talk and no action?

This post is from my twitter daily tips / topic of the day. Follow me on Twitter @ezhomefitness

My #questionoftheday is: are you all talk and no action?

Ask someone what their problem is and they'll tell you. Ask them what they're doing about it and you'll get more evasive answers. Cough, cough... EXCUSES! Or you'll hear someone talk like they know all the answers then why do they have the problem? Because they're all talk and no action. #realtalk It takes action to lose weight. It takes action to get fit. It takes action to improve your cardio. Talk isn't going to cut it. Stop the talk and get your butt in gear to achieve your goals! Stop the words, stop the excuses and get to work. It all begins and ends with you. The longer you keep talking and making excuses, the worse the problem is getting. The more ingrained you are making your excuse making mentality. You have to bust out of the excuse making and convert those words into hard work! Words and excuses will not burn calories or fat. Take those words and excuses and do something positive with them, turn them into affirmations! Tell yourself what you are going to do but then GO DO IT! Stop the procrastinating. Stop the trying to convince yourself. Just jump in and get started. Change your world, be a doer instead of just a talker. Be the person you keep talking about. You can be anything you want to be. Always choose to be the person who goes for their goals with action, not just talk.

#Quote of the day: Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can. - unknown

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I'm here to help inspire you, motivate you and help you reach your fitness goals whether it's to lose weight, gain weight or train for a sport.

I can help you reach your goals & train you in the comfort of your home with my online training system. Affordable. If you are interested in being trained by me with my online training program or want more info, visit my site at www.ezhomefitness.com and use the email link there. I hope to hear from you!

Twitter topic of the day: Do you sell yourself short when it comes to diet & exercise?

This post is from my twitter daily tips / topic of the day. Follow me on Twitter @ezhomefitness

My #questionoftheday is: do you sell yourself short when it comes to #diet & #exercise?

People make all sorts of excuses to not diet & workout. Most excuses are just that, excuses. A lot of excuses are just because of laziness and bad attitudes. People don't want to do the work yet somehow expect a change. Eventually they'll change their tune or pay the price for it. However my #questionoftheday goes out to people who mentally or physically believe they can't diet or exercise. They feel that they either can't do it or won't see any results. Either they've been made to believe that by a poor support system, a past failed attempt or insecurities. First, I will say that everyone can benefit from #diet & #exercise. Regardless of what happens on the outside, a change in #diet & #exercise can greatly benefit you internally. Don't discount the benefits of #diet & #exercise to your overall health. Do not let a poor support system stop you from doing what you need to do for you. Depend on yourself to do what you need to do for you. Do not let a failed attempt make you think you cannot lose weight. Chances are you didn't give it enough time or 100%. Don't give up and don't quit on yourself, TRY again! Don't let insecurities win! You are not destined to be fat just because that's all you've known or have been told. You absolutely have the power to change! Don't let your doubts win. Don't sell yourself short. Defeat your insecurities by taking action and proving that you can do it. You CAN.

#Quote of the day: The only limitations you will ever face will be those you place upon yourself. - Keith DeGreen

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I'm here to help inspire you, motivate you and help you reach your fitness goals whether it's to lose weight, gain weight or train for a sport.

I can help you reach your goals & train you in the comfort of your home with my online training system. Affordable. If you are interested in being trained by me with my online training program or want more info, visit my site at www.ezhomefitness.com and use the email link there. I hope to hear from you!

Twitter Q&A

This post is from my twitter daily tips / topic of the day. Follow me on Twitter @ezhomefitness

It's Friday so you know what that means... it's Q&A Friday!! So, ask away with your #diet & #exercise questions!

Q: What's better- tuna or salmon? A: Tuna is a cleaner source of protein. Salmon is a fattier fish but that means higher Omega 3s + protein.

Q: What's the most effective way to workout without a gym? A: With my online training! ;) Use weights, bands, stationary bike, treadmill, etc. The most effective home workout is the one that you do consistently while increasing your intensity.

Q: Is it true that dark chocolate is good for you? A: Yes, there are heart healthy elements in dark chocolate however moderation is key.

Q: How long do I have to be on a treadmill to burn fat? A: Your body doesn't convert to burning fat until the 20min mark so do your cardio anywhere from 30 - 45 minutes for fat burning. Anything over 45 minutes will start burning muscle which is counter-productive.

Q: How long do I have to train for? A: For what? How about making exercise a lifetime habit? Train for health. Train for life.

Q: If you don't want to burn fat, you should do < 30min of cardio? A: Good question! 20min would suffice or lessening the days you do it.

#Quote of the day: Patience and fortitude conquer all things. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Get my daily tips & quotes right to your Facebook page, just hit Like on my FB http://www.facebook.com/pages/EZHomeFitness/122379617832402

I'm here to help inspire you, motivate you and help you reach your fitness goals whether it's to lose weight, gain weight or train for a sport.

I can help you reach your goals & train you in the comfort of your home with my online training system. Affordable. If you are interested in being trained by me with my online training program or want more info, visit my site at www.ezhomefitness.com and use the email link there. I hope to hear from you!