Your Body: Getting It Right In 2012

It's that time of the year again. The days after Christmas when we reflect over the good and bad of the past year, then plan our goals for the next. You begin to make a list of everything you plan to accomplish in 2012. Then, there's that one item that somehow seems to reappear every year on your list: Get myself into shape.

If you're anything like me, you barely know the difference between a bicep, tricep or umpteencep (if you're busy trying to figure out what your "umpteencep" is, then you're worse than me). Nor do you necessarily care to know where these muscles are located. All you know is that you want a flatter stomach, toned arms, a bottle-opening butt, and legs to kill.And as much as I'd like to pull that body out of a Kellog's box, it just does not seem to come that easy.

The change happens so quickly without you even realising it. You start focusing on your career, work long days, eat whatever is available on the go, and spend evenings on the couch whenever possible. Slowly, your body begins to look a little fuller or "curvier" as some begin to tell you. Initially, you enjoy the curves. You even try to justify the curves as your "adult body." Unfortunately though, not all of us curve in the right direction.I mean, I love some curves but even curves need a little training and guidance.

Slowly, as you curve your way out of pants and shirts, you start to curve your way into the mall for bigger sizes. Flowing tops become your first pick on the rack. A broad belt is the new wardrobe staple to distract eyes from a growing mushroom-top waistline. Curvier begins to curve a hole into the wallet. It takes three busted jeans, unwearable button-up shirts, and a season of many unworn outfits to realize that this "adult body" is not so financially friendly. However, economical disadvantages are not the only changes experienced.

There are so many options for us to be more active and get into shape but we simply have to make the active decision to do so. Here are a few of my suggestions:

• Create a schedule. The same way we plan for leisure, it is important to plan for our health. If you actively make working out and healthier eating a part of your daily schedule, then it will be less of anoptionamong you activities. Pick a routine, develop it, and stick to it.
• Find your motivation and encouragement. For me it is family, accountability, a personal standard for my appearance, and competition. Use motivating factors to your advantage. Solicit the support of family and friends to keep you on track. Select programs that hold you accountable for missing classes. Pick an outfit that you wish to fit into once again. Engage in healthy competition with friends towards achieving your goals within specific time frames.
• Find a program that works for YOU. Getting a gym membership is a quick and easy start towards fitness goals but for many women, the gym can be intimidating. It is important to select an atmosphere that will serve as beneficial to you in accomplishing your goal. If you have limited discipline, be honest with yourself and select a program under leadership. Ask around for fitness suggestions, try them out for yourself, and see which options positively engage you and spark determination. It's your path to fitness and the more you enjoy it, the easier it will be.

With consistency, discipline, and motivation, it won't be long before those pants that aretwo sizes too small-but you love them too much to let go of them-fit back on that trimmed body of yours.

For me, the key to success has been through TRX Training with Fitness Trainer Nsuani Baffoe (Check out his blogwww.nolonger21.com).; I recommend this program if it is available at your local gym. It is a great challenge for everyone, both athletic and non-athletic body types. You gain access to a trainer in a small group setting, work in a supportive yet competitive team environment, and develop a stronger, not just slimmer, body. If you are a Biggest Loser addict like me, you constantly hear the trainers talk about full body exercises. TRX continuously engages the core as you work on various muscle groups. For more information about the program, check out their websitewww.trxtraining.com/learn/.

Photo credit to Blackfitness Blog