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| HADLEY It's that time of year again the time when millions flock to the gym, go on a diet, or join a weight loss center, when everyone resolves to get healthier in the upcoming year. Less than 20 percent stick to their New Year's resolutions, on average, and the biggest resolution failure are often fitness related. "Many people set New Year's goals to improve their health and fitness and begin new exercise programs. Yet after investing time and money, most fail to get any traction and achieve significant long term results," explains BeFit Health and Wellness Solutions owner, coach Holly Leonard, a certified fitness and nutrition professional with five years experience serving 300 Pioneer Valley residents. "That's why I will be sharing a real blueprint for fitness success at the upcoming Feb. 5 event, "How To Make 2008 Your Best Year Ever." Because awareness of the following common mistakes can prevent frustration, disappointment, and ultimately failure when starting a new fitness program." 1. Setting an unattainable goal. We all want to jump directly to our ideal health and fitness level, but there are steps in between. Avoid setting the same high standard resolutions that you continue to unsuccessfully achieve year after year. This will only set you up for frustration, failure, and disappointments. 2. Starting an incomplete program. To be successful, a program must be complete. A complete program includes attention to nutrition, resistance training, an cardiovascular exercise all leading to a "synergy" effect for maximum results. 3. No accountability. Success achievers know that accountability is essential to move from intention to results. Without support and the regular "check-up from the neck up," life's distractions quickly take many off course. Use accountability to stay on track with goals to avoid plateaus or backsliding. 4. No professional guidance. Many begin a fitness program without defined goals or a plan to achieve them. To achieve significant, long term results, the guidance of an expert puts one on the right track. 5. Push too hard, too soon. We all come into January raring to go, full of energy and enthusiasm for our new goals and new year, but in reality our body needs to be given time to adjust to a new exercise program. When starting a new program we need to avoid pushing too hard in the beginning, which can cause excess soreness, stiffness, even pulled or torn muscles. "Knowing common mistakes and pitfalls beforehand can prevent frustration, injury, and loss of motivation," explain Leonard. "Taking steps to prevent them from occurring will guarantee a happier and more successful fitness program for a new you in 2008." For additional weight loss guidance, all Pioneer Valley residents are invited to attend the Feb. 5 seminar, "How To Make 2008 Your Best Year Ever!" This event is sponsored by five of the Pioneer Valley's leading health, fitness and personal care experts and is designed to share their specific knowledge and proven health-enhancing action plans with Pioneer Valley residents, while raising money for Spirit In Action's RETHINK Project. A $5-$10 tax deductible donation to RETHINK is the only cost to attend. Information on this event is available at www.PVFitnessChallenge.com. |