2011

New Year’s Resolutions: Over Before They’re Started?

New Year’s Resolutions: Over Before They’re Started?
Vancouverites could be off to a shaky start with their New Year’s fitness resolutions next week, according to a study out today. Despite being motivated by tight-fitting clothes, empty chocolate boxes and sherry bottles, it appears that our good intentions and enthusiasm to get fit in 2012 will be short lived.

Over 35% of the 4,393 Vancouverites surveyed said that a milestone such as the New Year is when they’re most focused on their fitness; a further 26% revealed they go through seasonal fitness fads. However, a hefty 50.51% admitted they easily give up at the first hurdle as they don’t make it a priority, even after a period of over-indulgence.

The recent research, commissioned by Fitness Town and carried out by News Talk Concepts , ties in with a previous study done by Fitness Town that suggested that 25% of Western Canadians abandoned their New Year’s resolutions within 30 days. Another quarter of us kept on going for another couple of months, then broke them due to a lack of motivation (42%) and a lack of time (25%).*

Some further stats to digest along with the Christmas leftovers:

  • North Americans gain an average of 1.5 to 4 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve

  • The average holiday meal can see us consuming as many as 3,500 calories

  • It has been proven that new habits can be achieved in just 21 days


* Ipsos Reid online poll conducted on behalf of Fitness Town


 

Top Fitness Tips: to kick-off 2012 the right way



  • Start with the things you enjoy. Getting fit and active doesn't have to be a chore. Incorporate it into something you love or have a passion for. Make it fun, competitive and set incentives. There’s no point in starting to run if you really don’t enjoy running - you’ll only give up.

  • Be realistic, be gradual. What works for one person, may not work for the next. You have to decide what is realistic for you and your lifestyle. Set achievable goals, reassess them often and reward yourself with a small treat when you smash your targets.

  • Make time. It’s as simple as that. You have to schedule your activity times otherwise they just won’t happen. Sadly, it’s always easier to not do something than it is to do it.

  • Start a blog or get yourself a trainer. Make yourself accountable in other words! When you have others tracking your progress, it’s hard to get out of it. Keeping a fitness and nutrition journal also allows you to analyze your progress at the end of each month. Consider investing in an expert to give you feedback, help you discuss areas for improvement and next steps. Networking with other health professionals and enthusiasts can also motivate and inspire you.

  • You are what you eat. It’s an old one but a good and true one. Cut back on sugar and sodium, eat lots of green, leafy veg, and remember to drink plenty of water. Sticking to a balance of unrefined carbohydrates like whole grain food, fruit and veg never fails.

  • Challenge yourself. It takes just 21 days to form a habit. In the grand scheme of life, that’s not long. So once you’re confident that you’ve set a good foundation, try something new and add a new dimension to your fitness.



 

Fitness trends: what’s on the horizon for 2012?


An insight from one of the leaders in the fitness industry, Fitness Town:

  • Self-rehabilitation products : taking the proactive “prehab” approach (preventing issues from happening in the first place).  There’s a massive upswing in demand for items such as travel rollers and acu-pressure balls as well as other massage therapy products.  These can reduce pain, tension and stress whilst on the go and save valuable time and money by not having to book into an expensive massage therapist every few weeks

  • Power Plate. Advanced vibration technology is taking over.  Madonna, Kylie, Hillary Swank, Claudia Schiffer and many pro sports teams all swear by it.  Perfect for getting rid of cellulite, improving flexibility, blood circulation, yoga, cardio workouts, explosive strength and overall core strength and agility – all easily achievable in half the time you’d spend at the gym

  • Spinning is back!  We’re seeing a real resurgence of people wanting to get fit at home – spinning is a quick and relatively inexpensive way of doing this and is something that doesn't take up much space in the home.

  • Back to basics with the trusted treadmill :  Although there is some incredible new technology out there, a lot of people will be going back to basics and walking and running regularly to stay in shape.  Walking is one of the most underrated exercises – treadmills are perfect for all ages and abilities and can be tailored for the hard runner, the hiker or for high-intensity but lower impact walking workouts.

  • CrossFit is taking over:  There has been a huge increase in the number of people getting into CrossFit in 2011 and this looks set to continue significantly for the next couple of years. A lot of people are setting up their own circuits at home as well as joining specific CrossFit gyms.  Curious what Crossfit is ?

  • Extreme workout DVDs  – P90X and Insanity – are in decline:  Surprisingly, after being a top seller in past years, we’re seeing a real decline in workout DVDs

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