Every time I take a goal setting class or seminar, I walk away thoroughly convinced that “this is the year” that I am going to do all 7, 14 or 21 steps, methods, procedures, etc., to accurately reach my goals. I purchase the notebooks, day planners, computer software, the correct pen, and whatever additional “tool” is recommended to achieve goal setting success.

While I must admit I have not thoroughly followed the systems to the “T”, I have had some tremendous success by simply writing my goals down. The statistics are pretty amazing as to how much more attainable your goals are if you will just take the time to write them down.

Each December I open the notebook I used for the past goal setting seminar I attended to look at the goals I set. To my surprise, many of those goals have been achieved – even the one to lose weight! Honestly, there are many years that the only thing I do is write them down and I notice that I still am able to check many off as goals accomplished.

This month I would like to encourage you to write down some realistic goals regarding improving your overall health. I think you all realize that it may require some changes in your current eating and exercise plans.

Because our lifestyles tend to be at a much busier pace these days, it’s important not to overlook your own health. It so greatly affects everyone around you from family to friends, neighbors and co-workers. This year I have re-evaluated my own eating and exercise program to get the right program to fit my current responsibilities. One of the things I have chosen to do to streamline my day is to do some of my workout at home. You can also do this with family and get some quality family time together.

Workout at home:

Some prefer to workout alone, but if accountability will help, Invite your spouse, or friend to do an exercise video or use the Wii Fitness you got for Christmas together.
Vary your workout with different videos or even add a power walk outdoors once or twice a week.
Treat it like any other appointment – have a schedule and a plan. Try not to deviate from it.
Record your weight and measurements at the start and chart your progress. (Measure every 2 weeks)
Refrain from working out in your robe and slippers. Dress as if you were going to the gym.
Take “before” and during pictures and once you’ve reached your goal, take your after picture and keep it on your refrigerator for your motivation to maintain the success you’ve had.
Schedule in a field trip to take a walk on a track at the local high school, the mall (some open early for mall walkers), or a new neighborhood.
Introduce a new type of exercise once a month to see if it works for you. Try jump rope, freestyle dance for 20-30 minutes to your favorite CD, or interval training (cardiovascular exercise mixed with light weights, done in 1-2 minute intervals).
Be diligent about warming up with light cardio movement for 5 minutes and don’t neglect to stretch your muscles after you’ve completed your workout. Both affect the overall benefits you will receive from your routine.
If you have a large enough room, invite several friends over to do an exercise DVD two to three days a week. It’s harder to make excuses when someone is decked out in headband and leg warmers, ringing your doorbell.
Benefits to working out at home:

No crowded locker rooms. No parking issues. Flexible hours. Ice cold water readily available. No waiting for equipment. No mirrors (unless you like them). No make-up or matching socks required.
Some recent studies have reported that home exercisers showed more weight loss and an increased ability to maintain their weight loss due to the convenience leading to consistency.
Just remember to write down your goals, keep a journal to track progress and change up your routine every now and then.
If you are one of those who have dozens of unopened exercise DVDs in the closet, laundry piling up on the exercise bike and old newspapers stacked on the treadmill because exercising at home does not work for you, see you at the gym!