We know there are a lot of you out there who's New Year's Resolution will be to shed those unwanted pounds.  We also know that for many of you, this isn't the first time you've attempted this resolution.  If you're tired of the same old New Year's Resolution, and you're ready to shed those pounds so you can focus on other goals next year, then listen up!

Unfortunately, it is a fact that the majority of people fail at their New Year's Resolutions, but we're here to help you not become another statistic!  Most people are unsuccessful because they make a quick decision on their Resolution without any real planning.  How many of you make the Resolution, - "This year my goal is to lose 20 pounds?" - or whatever weight it may be?  Or your Resolution goes something like this, "This year my goal is to start working out and eating healthier?"  Well, if this is you or you sound something like this, then you're already starting off on the wrong foot and IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO CHANGE! 

First and foremost, you need to set smaller goals that you can easily track your progress.  By doing this, you'll avoid the moment when March comes around and you realize you've made no progress, so you give up like the majority of people do.  Your New Year's Resolution doesn't have to start today. . . give yourself the rest of this week, or even 2 weeks to sit down and make a realistic plan.  First, set monthly goals and write them down.  Use a calendar, a smart phone, computer or just grab a sheet of paper and start writing things down.  You will end up with a total of 12 goals.  For example:

January:  Start exercising
February:  Lose 3 pounds
and so on. . .

Then, for each month you need to make weekly tasks/or micro-goals that will help you stay on track.  For example:

January:  Start exercising
-Week 1:  Start walking 30 minutes/day
-Week 2:  Continue walking, add resistance training 2 days
-Week 3:  Increase walking time by 15 minutes
-Week 4:  Add a weekly Spin class to my routine
February:  Lose 4 pounds- continue exercise program above
-Week 1:  Lose 1 lb.- Cut out my morning lattes and replace with a hot tea or regular coffee
-Week 2:  Lose 1 lb.- Increase vegetables and whole grains and cut out sugary/starchy foods.  Example- replace regular pasta with Whole Wheat or Brown Rice pasta noodles
-Week 3:  Lose 1 lb. - Increase water intake to 70 ounces
-Week 4:  Lose 1 lb. - Increase lean protein and cut down on fatty meats/foods.

If you break down your goals this way, you will stay on track for reaching your goal.  The second thing you need to do is find a friend/buddy who has a similar goals.  Don't go through this journey alone.  It's nice to have a friend or spouse doing it along with you for support and motivation.  Thirdly, let your family know about your goals.  This way they can help support your decisions and help you be successful.

IF YOU'VE CONTINUALLY ATTEMPTED AND BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT LOSING WEIGHT, YOU MAY NEED THE HELP OF AN EDUCATED HEALTH/FITNESS EXPERT.  AT THE STUDIO, WE HAVE THE TOOLS TO HELP YOU BE SUCCESSFUL!!  OUR SMALL GROUP TRAINING PROVIDES THE MOTIVATION YOU NEED, OUR TRAINERS PROVIDE THE BEST EXERCISES, AND YOU CAN ALWAYS DO OUR METABOLIC TESTING, WHICH TAKES ALL THE GUESSWORK OUT OF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS!