Fail-proof your weight-loss, fitness resolutions with these helpful tips

Do you feel like your health and fitness resolutions lose their luster after a few weeks? Nearly 80% of resolutions fail within the first month!

Traditional goal-setting often neglects understanding the key reason WHY you want to reach a specific end result. It’s not enough to want to lose weight. There needs to be sincere desire and a clear reason why you are embarking on the journey: “I want to lose weight because I want to fit into my clothes,” or “I want to lose weight so that I don’t get winded going up the stairs.” Adding the “why” to the equation can help make your resolutions fail-proof.

Brian Ernst/Sun-Times

Another way to help accomplish your goal is to make sure that you have the right gear to set yourself up for success. That’s why I want to show you certain things that will make you feel more committed, serious and prepared for your workouts!

First, here’s a gym bag. Get a bag that will hold everything you need, and maybe even one that’s colorful that gets you feeling excited about working out

Of course, you need workout shoes. Maybe even shoe inserts! Make sure you get expertly fitted for a workout shoe and that it feels good on your feet. Never buy a shoe that feels uncomfortable in the hopes of “breaking it in.”

Brian Ernst/Sun-Times

Next, music is key. Pack headphones to plug into your smart phone or pack a separate Mp3 player so that you can use music to your advantage. Not only does it make time in your workouts go by more quickly and feel more enjoyable, but also the faster the beat of the music the faster and harder you’ll work out!

Finally, I always recommend a pre-workout mini-snack. Whether it’s a protein bar or a baggie of nuts, having a proper-portion snack in your bag will help keep you from skipping or loathing your workout because you’re hungry.

Stephanie Mansour wants you to ‘“step up” your fitness regimen. Mansour coaches private clients in weight loss, provides fitness/health/lifestyles advice on national TV shows, and offers her free 21 Day Challenge online. Check out her fitness tips every Sunday in the Well section of the Chicago Sun-Times. And visit her website at stepitupwithsteph.com.