Choosing the right goal is perhaps the most important part of any achievement. Be brave and challenge yourself this year, but increase your chances of success by avoiding these four common pitfalls. 1. Getting ‘Toned,’ ‘Buff,’ or ‘In Shape’ Do yourself a favor and delete vague fitness terms like these from your vocabulary; they don’t mean anything, and there’s no way to achieve them without a concrete definition. For instance, once you understand that “toned” really means “lean and muscular,” you can create a workout plan than helps you shed fat and reveal muscle. And “in shape” can have different meanings depending on your current fitness level. To you, does it mean completing a difficult WOD, losing weight, or reducing your blood pressure? Be as specific as possible when creating your goal. 2. Losing a Large Amount of Weight Losing lots of weight is fine as a long-term goal, but it will take a while. To prevent feelings of discouragement and failure, it’s best to create smaller milestones to hit along the way. Decide what you can realistically achieve during a manageable period of time — perhaps 3-6 months — and make that your first goal. While the scale is a handy tool to evaluate your progress, don’t rely on these numbers alone. Use multiple techniques, such as progress photos, measurements, and the way your clothes fit. Mistakes to Avoid Set the Right Goals This New Year 4 Fitness Goal
3. Setting Unrealistic Goals Challenging yourself is one thing; setting yourself up for failure is another. If you spent three years putting on weight, it’s not going to come off in three weeks. If you’re juggling a 50-hour work week with a family and chores, you’re probably kidding yourself by swearing to hit the gym every night after work for an hour. If you’re a hard-gainer, trying to look like Arnold will be an exercise in futility. Don’t be afraid to push yourself, but set goals you stand a chance of achieving. Once you hit those successfully, set some new ones! 4. Letting Instagram Influence Your Goals Your favorite fitness Instagrammers may look like gods and goddesses online, but keep in mind that they’re only showing you their best selves on their best days with the best angles and lighting. Instead of trying to be someone else, focus on yourself! Just because they’re hitting PRs or rocking bikinis or eating a vegan diet doesn’t mean you have to. Decide what you really care about, then choose goals that will make your life better every day — even when the camera isn’t around.
Don’t wait until January to get started. Decide ahead of time what you want to achieve, make a plan now, and set yourself up for success!
THE MOST
Relaxing Gift
Let’s face it: The holidays are stressful. Give the gift of relaxation or take time to unwind this season with massage gift certificates and appointments at South Windsor Neck & Back! Since late fall, massage therapy has been added to our lineup of services designed to make you feel better. Our massage therapist, Amy Dubenetsky, has been providing relief to our patients with her specialized training and expertise.
certificate to a list of prizes at the office holiday party, or show your dog walker you appreciate her extra effort this year.
Amy’s skills have been enjoyed by our patients, and we want to extend that
And if you’re interested in popping in for a massage of
same level of relief to other community members. Massage gift certificates are a perfect present for anyone on your shopping list. Purchase massage gift
your own, patients can have multiple sessions with Amy covered by most insurances for a deductible fee. If you want to pay out of pocket, massage therapy appointments cost $75. Meet our new massage therapist and schedule an appointment with Amy by calling South Windsor Neck & Back at 860.644.2437. We promise it will be the easiest — and most therapeutic — task you do this holiday season.
certificates as holiday treats for your loved ones, or spread some joy to your neighbors. Add a massage gift
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860.644.2437
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