.

I don’t have any statistics in front of me, but I’d be willing to bet a large sum of money that weight loss is the single largest New Year’s resolution each and every year.  Because of this (and because most people royally screw this up) I’ve decided to mention two major things you’ll need to do if you want your resolution to stick.

.

1.  Skip the Severity

.

Let’s be honest.  You’ve done this before (or you know someone who has).  It doesn’t stick.  Every year tens of thousand of people join gyms or initiate ridiculous diet programs only to fall off before February.  The fitness and diet industry love these people because they know they’ll be back next year spending more money on the same stupid things.  Do not be one of these people.  And most importantly, don’t delude yourself into thinking that you won’t be one of the ones that fall off course if you take on something severe.  It happens…but it is unlikely for most.  You are probably part of the “most”.

.

Instead, I always advise my clients to pick a long term goal and picture themselves where they could realistically expect to see themselves in one year from now.  Yes, I said one year.  After all, nobody ever says “man…I’d sure like to lose some weight, look great, and then gain it all back so I can look like a fat tub of sh*t in three months from now”.

.

Oh…and just so you know – Fitness and internet marketers create programs that they know you WANT not necessarily the programs that they know you need.  After all, it is easier to sell a program that says “Look your best in 7 days” than one that says “Go slow, work hard, keep it off in one year”.  Most understand that slower is better, but understand that the money is in selling quick fixes.

.

My recommendation?  Save your money.  Think long term.  Plan long term.  The changes are more likely to stick.

.

2.  Don’t overestimate the power of exercse.

.

Over the years I’ve watched many of my Facebook friends try everything from hitting the gym 5-7 days per week, to P90X, to (God forbid) Jillian Michaels’ “30 Day Shred” program only to end up sadly disappointed.  Many are taking on programs that are far above their fitness level, but more importantly, I think many of them have expectations from exercise that are far above what is likely or even possible.

.

While training regularly at the gym, P90X, or even a Jillian Michaels DVD might elicit some weight loss, it is usually far less than most rookie exercisers might expect.  If you want to lose an average of 1-2 pounds per week (which I find is optimal for long term weight loss) you’re going to need to make some dietary changes.  If you’re expecting more than that you’re probably going to be out of luck.

.

Of course, it would be unfair of me not to acknowledge the fact that exercise spares muscle and improves body composition, but any major change in appearance is likely going to warrant some change in your intake.  My suggestion is to do the minimal amount of exercise required to get the results you want (2 times per week is a good start) and focus on moderately reducing calorie intake.

.

Have a safe and happy New Years!  See you in 2011.

.

PS: Even if the above information doesn’t apply to you, chances are it applies to someone you know.  Please share this with those who need to hear it.