Hello Acadia - Calgary Communities and Community Associations

Forget the resolution…
Did you make a resolution to get fit
and lose weight? Forget it! Instead,
start a revolution – a health revolution!
Fitness isn’t a goal – it’s a way of life. A
resolution is merely a decision to change
something; a revolution is a complete
system change. A true commitment to
fitness and health should be a revolution.
Let me offer the following advice about
staging your own personal fitness
revolution:
1. set reasonable goals. Want to
lose 50 pounds and drop 5 dress
sizes? Great! Will you accomplish
that by summer? Maybe. A lofty
goal can be intimidating and seem
unachievable. Instead of tackling the
entire goal, chip away at it. Shoot to
lose 10 pounds in 2 months. Setting
and achieving numerous goals
encourages you to continue your
revolution.
2. take baby steps.
• Exercise: If you aren’t physically
active, start small or you will end-up
discouraged or possibly injured. Go
for a brisk walk, hit the elliptical, or
do an entry-level group class. Once
that becomes easy, add another
component. If you are active, add
variety. Trying something new
avoids boredom and works different
muscles, so your body more actively
burns calories. Kettlebells are a
great addition to any fitness plan!
• Diet: I hate the “d-word” - it
implies deprivation. Think of
healthy meal plans instead: limit
carbohydrates and make vegetables
½ of your daily food intake. Think
first: how much workout time
start a Revolution!
will that cookie cost? Opt for a
smoothie, apple, or carrots instead.
3. find a partner. People who
workout with a friend are more
dedicated and have more fun.
Meeting a friend at the gym
is motivational, offers friendly
competition, and provides an ally to
share your success.
4. there is no one-size-fits-all
weight-loss solution. Media is
littered with weight-loss success
stories. Harness the motivation, but
don’t get hooked in. Do research
– what’s it cost? How much work
is involved? Do you have support?
Does it fit your lifestyle? Just
because the latest fad diet worked
for a friend, doesn’t mean it will
work for you. Most important
– don’t sacrifice your health and
nutrition.
5. track your progress. Take
measurements and before/
during/after photos. It’s not
easy – after all, who wants to
take a photo when you know
you’re overweight and out of
shape? Re-take measurements
and analyze your progress once a
month. It’s so rewarding to look
back and track your progress
as you proceed towards your
goals. Each month’s improvement
is a successful battle in your
revolution.
6. don’t let a setback become
a habit. So you went to Vegas
for the weekend and gained a
couple pounds. Big deal – we’re
all human! Just don’t allow this
break to become an excuse to
continue with bad habits. Get back
to healthy eating and exercise right
away.
7. have fun! Find something you
truly love and you won’t see it as
work!
You are doing this for yourself. We often
put ourselves last, but making a change
for a healthier lifestyle not only rewards
you, it also benefits your family and
friends.
Vive la revolution!
Allison Scott is an Certified Kettlebell
Instructor and Fitness and Strength
Training Instructor with Kanaka Fitness.
She also is a karate student
and teaches cardio kickboxing at
Arashi Do Martial Arts.
martial arts
Pg. 8 February 2013 Thank you for supporting your community association and your local businesses!