Aim For It Fitness - Fitness Motivation Monitor

Volume 14, Issue 1: January 2008

In this Issue

How Not To Make Your Fitness New Years Resolution Fail...Again!
Self-Care Before Sit-Ups 10 Week Transformation
8 Guidelines For Flu Prevention
Preview Call - The Secret To Taking Frustration And Failure Out Of Fitness

How NOT To Make Your Fitness New Years Resolution Fail....Again!

New Year Resolutions come and go, but an idea turned into an intention can become a powerful magnet that draws you toward what you truly desire.  So what is the difference between a resolution and an intention?  How do you create an intention that inspires you rather then repels you away?  A resolution is decision that has been made and determined and there seems to be no give or take. An intention is a purpose, and is a guide toward a planned action.  A purpose can go in different directions and has some give or take.  An intention opens us to a world of possibilities and a will to help ourselves.

In my opinion what has happened in our society is that Resolutions have often zeroed in on a perceived negative aspect of ourselves.  “I want to lose weight therefore no more chocolate chip cookies or other desserts.”  An intention explores what’s behind the thought or feeling.  “I crave desserts when I am feeling stressed or scared.  I will set an intention to become conscious of the craving and allow my feelings to arise and pass rather than fill up on extra calories.”  Also, with intentions you want to praise yourself with the effort you are giving vs. focusing on what you are doing wrong.

Sue who participated in my latest class Self-Care Before Sit-Ups 10 Week Transformation shared her thoughts about changing her mindset, “I began thinking less about my weight and more about keeping my mind and body healthy. It was this mental shift that helped me achieve what became a foundation to keep me moving forward with positive behavior and without putting the focus on my weight and I started to lose weight.”

Here are 6 steps to help you get inspired and excited about your intentions.

1. Create Space.  When you can eliminate or reduce the time you spend on values that no longer serve you, you will create pockets of time and space to accomplish the action steps towards your intention.

2. Consider Your Values. What are you spending time on that may not be serving your core values.  This a great time of year to take and look within and make a list of what you would really like to say “no” to and what you would desire to say “yes” towards.  Who would you like to be this year?  You see, doing and having are the result of what you are being.  So live your core values and be true to yourself and you will attract the necessary steps to shift toward your intention.

3. Be Inspired. Your intention should ignite, excite, and inspire you.  So this week, set aside time to write in a journal and meditate.  Mull over your typical resolutions.  How did they make you feel?  Anxious?  Unsettled? Excited?  Incomplete?  Confident?  Now contemplate how you would like to feel during the coming year.  Is there any way you can reframe your results-orientated resolutions into something that will make this year’s journey more joyful and worthwhile and fill your needs?

Create a short sentence or phrase for your intention:  Be careful not to set limitations based on fear.  Example:  “May life bring me only happiness and joy this year,” consider, “May I be happy and open to what life brings me.”  Instead of “I want to lose weight this year,” consider, “May I be open to healthier ways to live my life.”

4. Visualize Your Future Self. Close your eyes and project yourself into the future. Imagine what it's like as you are living your intention. Picture how you feel, think, look, and act--as though it's happening this very moment. Create a vivid, exciting image of yourself living it out then return to this vision frequently to maintain the pull your intention has on you.

5. Set Mini-Goals. A magnet cannot attract an object that's too far away to feel its pull. A great example that was shared with me was my goal to drive from Minneapolis to Orlando.  I would not get there in one fail swoop. I would set a mini goal to get to St. Louise to take a break, get some rest, gas my car up and nourish my body with a good meal.  My next goal may be to get to Memphis TN to Montgomery Al and finally to Orlando FL.  Mini-goals to get to the big goal.  Enjoy the journey!

6. Be flexible and creative. Use your map to chart your course but be open to new paths to your goals. Obstacles and detours are a natural part of change and provide important learning opportunities. When you are patient and gentle with yourself, you'll discover creative solutions that help you grow beyond anything you could have imagined. As you become more clear throughout the year about your intention and mindful in the journey, you’ll see that you are not only drawn toward the outcome but your intentions are drawn toward you.

To your health,

            Amy Lundberg
            Aim For It- Fitness Coaching LLC

P.S. I have available for you Intentions Rather Than Resolutions – How Not To Make Another Failed New Years Resolution.  This downloadable zipped MP3 audio along with transcripts teaches you to put together your personal intention specific to your needs that can propel you towards positive changes you know you desire to make. No more guilt, self-loathing, or feelings of failure this year!  Visit http://www.aimforfitness.com/store.htm


Self-Care Before Sit-Ups 10 Week Transformation

Take frustration and failure out of fitness

If you want... to get rid of unwanted weight and/or enjoy a more fulfilling life regardless of how much you weigh...
When you participate in Self-Care Before Sit-Ups 10 Week Transformation Program you'll discover how to effortlessly eliminate excess weight for good and end the cycle of dieting and weight loss failure so that you can live a healthy, vital life full of joy and energy...at any weight. 

With this system you'll learn to take charge of your time plus exercise and have abundant energy for your work, family, kids and loved ones every day!

This holistic approach to building a Strong Foundation for your ongoing fitness and lifestyle program is available to you for a limited time only. Take a peak to see if this is just what you are looking for.


8 Guidelines For Flue Prevention
by Rachel Oppitz, N.D (Itasca Naturopathic Clinic)

1. EAT A HEALTHY DIET BY ELIMINATING SUGAR
100 grams of sugar decreases the immune response by 50% for six hours. Avoiding sugar is the single most important nutritional factor that you can address to avoid the flu. 

You can also bolster the immune system by increasing the healthy and essential fats consumed such as the omega-3 oils found in wild salmon, walnuts, and ground flax seeds. Omega 3 oils provide greater resistance to common illnesses such as the flu and colds.   Also emphasize the good carbohydrates found in non-starchy vegetables and quality proteins found in free range, organic, grass fed animals and wild game.

2. REGULAR EXERCISE
Regular exercise improves the body's ability to fight infections by increasing core body temperature thereby increasing white blood cell activity.  For optimal immune system function, 30 minutes of daily exercise is essential.  Regular exercise dramatically improves sleep quality as well.

3. GET ENOUGH REST
During the deepest phases of sleep, the immune system is strengthened, energy is restored, and growth hormone is released.  Insomnia and insufficient sleep affect hormone levels and accelerate aging.

The following sleep recommendations will enhance the immune system function.  Aim for at least 7 hours/night (optimal would be 9).  Get to bed as early as possible--the body, particularly the adrenal glands, do a majority of their recharging or recovering before midnight.  Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.  Avoid before bed snacks, especially grains, alcohol, and sugars.  Sleep in complete darkness; when light hits the eyes, it disrupts the circadian rhythm of the pineal gland and production of  melatonin and serotonin.

4. EAT GARLIC REGULARLY
Garlic is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal so it acts like a broad spectrum antibiotic in the body.  Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant which means it helps to protect against damaging free radicals.  Garlic must be fresh to give optimal health benefits.  The active ingredient is destroyed within one hour of smashing the garlic.  1-2 medium size cloves should be taken daily; compress prior to consumption to release active ingredient.  If you develop a socially offensive odor, slightly decrease the dose. 

5. DON'T LET STRESS BECOME OVERWHELMING
Periods of short-term stress trigger the immune system to prepare for injury or infection, similar to a "fight or flight" response.  Long-term stress causes excessive wear on the body and activates a deterioration of the immune system.  The immune systems of the elderly and those already suffering with some kind of illness are less capable of coping with stressful situations.  The stressors that most negatively compromise the immune system are the chronic stressors.  The longer the duration of stress or perceived length of the stress, the less the body is able to adapt to the stressful situation.  This kind of stress leads to serious negative health repercussions including immune system suppression.

The following are just a few stress management techniques:  prayer, meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, yoga, emotional freedom technique, exercise, regular massage/bodywork.

6. WASH YOUR HANDS
Handwashing is one habit that can help prevent the flu and other infections, particularly in young children. The best handwashing technique involves these steps:  use warm water, work up a good lather up to the wrists for at least 10-15 seconds, don't forget to get all surfaces including the backs of the hands, wrists, between the fingers, and the fingernails.

Word of caution--avoid the use of antibacterial soaps in the general setting as they are not necessary and may contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

7. HOMEOPATHY
Oscillococcinum or Flu Solution can be used for prevention, when exposed to the virus, or when early stage influenza signs and symptoms arise.  Consult a naturopathic physician who utilizes homeopathy and may be able to help you prevent or shorten the course of the flu.

8. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Water is needed to sustain adequate blood and lymph flow which are the key transporters in the immune system.


 

 

Self Care Before Sit-Ups For Women...
The "Secret" To Taking Frustration and Failure Out Of Fitness

 

If you’re tired of the "quick fixes" that seem to offer only short-term results, and feel resigned to giving up, be sure to be on THIS call. I’ll be revealing the three major components to the weight loss/fitness puzzle, which do not include exercise, diet, strength training or cardio, but are what I know to always be the missing puzzle pieces in your weight loss efforts and to living a healthy joyful lifestyle you desire.

Register for this call today, and listen live or to the recorded replay!

www.aimforfitness.com/secret.htm

 


 

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