The arrival of the new year is a chance for a new you

by LORI-ANN MARCHESE

CTFashionMag.com

As 2018 has just begun, you can only hope to see what the future holds for yourself. The beginning of the new year is the time to reflect upon the past, and make it a mission to set new goals for the upcoming year. Have you set your resolutions yet? If you have not, of course it is never too late to do so.

The only exception is that this resolution must last you through the entire year. Make it a goal to stick with your new year’s resolution for as long as possible. Even better? Turn your resolution into a lifestyle.

Some of the most difficult resolutions to stick with involve the fitness world. I am here to assist you in sticking with your fitness goals, and make them permanent acts of your daily life.

For starters, understanding the basics is absolutely crucial. Ever hear your abs are made in the kitchen? It’s true. Eighty percent of your results is based off of that alone.

With that said, focusing on a balanced and nutritious diet is key to allowing yourself to achieve your fitness goals. Not only does a wholesome diet fuel your body for maximum performance, it will shape your body into a healthy and toned one.

Consuming foods that are low in fat, sodium and carbohydrates is the first step to making that transformation. Monitoring your caloric intake, and focusing on portion sizes is just as important for success.

Just because 80 percent of your results come from the way you eat does not mean you can forget about exercise. Incorporating fitness into your everyday life will not only give you that sculpted, slim body, but it’s also vital for your overall health. Making sure you balance and vary your workouts day to day allows your body to change in the most significant way.

Cardio and weight training is needed for the body in order for the best results. These various methods of training will give your body that figure that you have always wanted.

It is very important to note that finding a physical activity that you enjoy is key to sticking with your fitness resolutions. The best tip is to always alter your workouts, and be creative with what you do to keep your body active.

More often than not, it is quite difficult to do this all on your own. Seeking help and support will allow yourself to stick with your goals and transform them into a lifestyle. When it comes to fitness, the opportunities are endless. There are so many trainers and fitness programs out there that you can choose from. Finding a trainer that you feel comfortable with will allow the success to move much smoother.

Once you have found your support system, they are there to stay with you each step of the way, and will work with you until your goals are accomplished. Help and support can only push you further along.

Lastly, making sure your goals are realistic is key to overcoming those resolutions and making sure they become part of your lifestyle.

Nothing comes easy, so you must not give up on yourself. Resolutions take time and commitment. When you are setting goals that involve your body, it takes time for your body to adjust and change, so learning to be patient with your body is so very important. Sculpting your body is and will never be an easy process, so along your journey, learning to appreciate your body more will help ease the process and allow for more worthwhile results.

Don’t make this upcoming resolution one that will appear and disappear within a few weeks. Tell yourself that you will stick to it every day. Self-control and dedication is what makes the difference between you accomplishing your New Year’s goals and allowing them to become your lifestyle. Believe in yourself and know that you can do it. Let’s become the you that you’ve always wanted to be. What are you waiting for? It’s a New Year and the time for a New You is now.

Lori-Ann Marchese is the owner of Body Construct LLC in New Britain. She is a former Mrs. Connecticut and was a cast member of “Game of Crowns.”

Lori-Ann Marchese