Keeping Your Fitness Goals | Video

Jennifer Joas | 12/28/2012

With 2012 coming to a close, many people are starting to think about what they want to achieve in the coming year. You may be thinking of hitting the gym, but are you really ready to make a commitment to getting healthy? Trainers at the YMCA say, don`t let your ambition get the best of you.

"It`s the accountability. It`s showing up, it`s making that goal, sticking with it, writing that goal down, knowing what you`re wanting to get into," said YMCA Life Center Director Lashae Michels.

Michels says 30 percent of New Year`s resolutions are fitness related. But only 15 percent of those maybe succeed. She says instead of making one large goal for yourself, start small with incremental goals so you don`t burn out quickly. And reward yourself when you reach those small milestones. "If your goal is to lose 30 lbs, and you lose five lbs, reward yourself with maybe new exercise clothing, workout shoes, give yourself rewards. That`s going to keep you on track."

Nick Eckart has been working out for two years, and is still setting goals for himself. "Losing all your body fat; getting a six pack of abs; just looking good."

For other gym goers, scheduling the time and day of their workouts has kept them on track. "Write it down or something, because something will come up, someone will ask you if you want to do something, and unless it’s a priority to work out, it can get pushed back and pushed off. So write it down. Make sure it happens," said Jen Dunn.

Another trainer tip: Get an accountability partner to keep you motivated.

Michels also says a good diet is key, cutting a food group completely out won`t last long, so just eat everything in moderation.

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