4 reasons resolutions fail

So after years of snarfing down cheesy beefs and bacon burgers, you’ve promised to chuck it all and get back into fighting shape.

Starting New Year’s Day, (after the pizza and chips during the game), it was going to be free weights instead of fried chicken and treadmills instead of tacos for you.

Then, just a few weeks into the New Year, you find yourself back to donuts and soda. New Year’s resolutions to get thin, exercise and eat better are often abandoned by February. Why do many of us bail out so soon?

health enews checked in with Steve Belano, a personal trainer at the Advocate Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center in Downers Grove, Ill., for insights on why our best intentions bomb and what we can do about it.

He cites four of the most common reasons resolutions tank:

Avoid the terrible toos!

You want to make up for lost time so you do too much—too soon. If it’s taken 20 years to get out of shape, don’t expect to be tip-top in 20 days. If your workout plan is too aggressive, you not only risk injury but also disappointment once you realize how long it’s actually going to take to get fit.

Stan doesn’t have a plan:

Enthusiasm will only take you so far. Without setting reasonable goals and creating a fitness road map, you’re sure to get lost or run out of gas. Get advice from a health and wellness professional on the best plan for your age and current fitness level.

Lack of motivation:

You have to own it. Ask yourself why you want to get fit, why you want to lose weight, why you want to be stronger… Once you begin to believe that from the inside out, your motivation will build on itself.

No buddy—no hot body: Going solo on the fitness journey can be lonely. Finding a workout partner can make the difference between success and failure. Getting encouragement and accountability from a supportive friend can take you from slouch to svelte.

Belano says the new year is a great time to launch a fitness plan. Take advantage of this new chapter of your life.

“Pick a day on the calendar and make it your own New Year’s Day,” Belano says. “Today is the best day to start your plan. If you set reasonable goals, have a long term plan and friend alongside, you can do it!”

Check out this video for more tips from Belano.