First and foremost, a very happy New Year to each and every one of us.  Once again it is time to celebrate, reflect and renew.  New Years however also seems to give us this somewhat hyped up illusion of needing to create a giant personal overall.  We all resolve to start that diet, pick up those weights and drop those pounds.  While of course this may be needed, I pose that in making these resolutions, we look at making the “change of mind” resolution first.

Interesting perspective from a fitness and wellness professional, you are thinking no doubt.  Of course I believe in the power of fitness, however, I also believe in realism.  Truthfully, if a person is not in the right frame of mind to begin a healthy lifestyle then right from the start there’s a strike against the effort.  Making a half hearted promise at the stroke of midnight, potentially, with a few glasses of champagne under our belts, may not be the best time to make a life improving decision.  A healthy lifestyle change should be carefully decided on to ensure success.  It requires planning, resources and of course support.

So this year before jumping in to a somewhat half hearted commitment to improve, why not commit to doing a little soul searching first.  Think about where you are in your desire to change, readiness to commit, time to devote to new changes and even the resources you can tap.  All of these things should all be a part of the thought process before jumping on that treadmill for the first time.  Remember the new year is just that, but there is a new day each and every day to begin again.  Take the rights steps to ensure your success.  Until next time – be well.  

Alicia Kirschenheiter is the owner of Evolution Total Wellness Inc. located in New York. Her vast array of experience in the wellness and fitness industry covers many different are areas including being an American Council on Exercise Certified Advanced Health & Fitness Expert, an in-demand personal trainer, a fitness coach (for individuals and companies) and a certified weight & lifestyle management consultant. She is a published wellness/fitness writer for a variety of publications as well as being the author of the children's book "Oscar and Otis - Fat Fighters."