A New Year, A New You: Fitness 360's Perspective

We're on the cusp of yet another 1st of January, when hordes of people on the back of resolutions, jump on to the gym bandwagon to undo the damage of the gorging and the inactivity of the past year. But three or four weeks down the line, how many resolutely follow up on their resolution-spurred decisions that they took in the first place?

It's when tall, sometimes unrealistic goals -- beyond what can be achieved – are set, that falling off the fitness wagon unfortunately ensues. What was essentially required was not merely a resolution to meet unrealistic goals but making a lifetime commitment to adopt a lifestyle change, states Steve Johnson, Chief Operations Officer at Fitness 360, a chain of health clubs across the UAE.

And that one commitment made to change one's lifestyle has to be backed up with right choices to ensure that commitment is kept, he adds. So what does one do to make and keep one's commitment to a healthy lifestyle?

A MINDSET CHANGE: The first step needs to start in your head. It has to start with you realizing that you have the power to change your life by changing your mindset. You have to really believe that with you having the ability to choose your path to reach your goal of building an exceptional life, you indeed can achieve that goal.

SET SPECIFIC, ACHIEVABLE GOALS: It's much better to set a lower goal and be successful at it; that increases one's sense of confidence. Then, gradually increase your goals.

To achieve permanent change, you'll need to set short-term and long-term goals, then formulate and write down your action plans to achieve them.

CHOOSE A HEALTHIER DIET: Your fridge and pantry would need an overhaul. First things first, replace all the junk, fried and sugary foods and fizzy drinks with nutritious, energy-boosting fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. After planning out a few go-to healthy meals, stock up on their ingredients. Also, make sure your fridge has snack-size packages of nuts, baby carrots, and organic yogurt for when you are on the run. Limit consumption of red meats, salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium); avoid processed meats. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated because that not only helps improve alertness, control appetite and enhance activity and sport performance, but it also keeps every day symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and dry skin at bay. A useful tip for dinning out -- never go out to eat hungry, you'll end up over eating, so before going out, have a light meal or snack before to avoid overeating there.

MOVE IT, WORK OUT: Exercise is the BEST way to burn calories and fat. Find out the activities that will allow you to burn the most calories. While at home, squats, push-ups, jumping jacks and sit-ups, which are easy to do anywhere, are recommended. Join Fitness 360 and do cardio exercises that get your heart rate up and weight training which helps boost your metabolism and burn fat and calories.

Get a professional program that is personalized to your specific needs to get the most from your time at the gym, getting a personal trainer will boost your success even further. Whichever workout schedule you set up for yourself, jot it down on your diary along with your most important appointments of the day, and DO it!

SLEEP AND REST WELL:

Sleep well, because lack of sleep has detrimental effects on our health -- causing such things as high blood sugar, increased appetite, and obesity, also leading to hypertension, heart disease and stroke. Moreover, your muscles which are being exercised need the rest in order to recover. So, to ensure good health, make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

About Lal's Group & Fitness 360Fitness 360 was establishment in 2010 by the Lal's Group with the aim of facilitating lifestyle change in our communities and providing affordable fitness for everyone.  Fitness 360 delivers health clubs that offer world-class facilities, environments and accessibility. Fitness 360's vision is to provide affordable fitness for everyone while promoting active lifestyles and community wellbeing.
The overriding objective was to offer a 360 holistic approach that doesn't stop at just a work out, but also propagates and promotes healthy living that goes beyond the time spent at the club. By providing state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained professionals, Fitness 360 works closely with its members to help them achieve their goals.
Fitness 360 is located at Arabian Center 042362111, Mazaya Center 043307711, International City (China cluster, D-01) 044315178, J3 Mall - Al Wasl (Exclusive ladies only) 043809969. Further information can be obtained by visiting www.fitness360.me.