“Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” The classic fairy tale Snow White begins with this question posed by the Queen as she stands in front of her magic mirror. As the story goes, and much to the Queens great displeasure, her magic mirror doesn’t tell her what she wants to hear. Without any hint of emotion the mirror informs the Queen that Snow White, not her, is the fairest of them all.

Sadly a similar scene is played out over and over again in homes everywhere. While the question asked is different (”How did I get so out of shape?”, “How did I let myself gain so much weight?”, “Where has my thin, attractive body gone?” etc.), and the responses are not audible, make no mistake about it, the image staring back at us speaks volumes. Volumes about what we have or haven’t done to take care of our bodies, our appearance and, perhaps most importantly, our health.

This experience is so uncomfortable for some that they can’t even remember the last time they looked at their bodies in a mirror. I suppose that’s understandable, after all it’s painful to look at ourselves when we already know what we’re going to see we’re not going to like. But, as uncomfortable as this self inspection may be, those who have the courage to face their pain can change for the better.  So if you can relate to what I’ve described thus far be encouraged. Here’s why:

The New Year Can Equal a New You

There’s something about the beginning of a new year that gives us hope. It’s that time of year when New Year’s Resolutions are in the forefront of everyone’s mind.  Resolutions to lose weight, get in shape and live a healthier lifestyle are common. It’s also common for the same resolutions to be all but forgotten only weeks into the New Year.  In fact, research shows that only 15 percent of people who make resolutions adhere to them long-term.

Now, if that describes you, let me assure you that your success doesn’t depend on you making some tired old New Year’s Resolution. In fact, this year I urge you to forget about making a resolution. That may sound strange coming from a fitness professional.  After all, the fitness industry has made billions by jumping on the New Year’s Resolution bandwagon.  But I’m here to tell you there’s a better way.

Forget the New Year’s Resolution - Get a New Year’s Revelation

One of the biggest problems I see with New Year’s Resolutions is that most aren’t committed to making them succeed. Their resolutions are really nothing more than a wish. While wishes may sometimes come true, it’s commitment that drives the better bandwagon I speak of.

And if commitment drives the bandwagon, then knowledge (revelation) is its fuel. We want to be successful, but failure often occurs because we simply don’t know what to do to be successful. For example: you’ve decided to lose weight, get in shape and eat healthier - so you joined a gym. You play around with a few machines, spend some time on cardio equipment and that’s about it. You have no real plan, you don’t see any results, so it’s just a matter of time before you stop going.

A favorite proverb of mine states, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.”  In other words: without proper knowledge we are likely to waste our time with things that won’t deliver.

At Fitness Together of East Orlando we help our clients develop rock solid commitments to change as well as provide them with the revelation knowledge they need to make that change a reality. And when commitment meets revelation something amazing happens - you actually like what the mirror has to say.

Do you want to learn more about how Fitness Together can help you like what your mirror has to say? Say NO to the New Year’s Resolution and yes to a New Years Revelation by calling Glenn at 407-208-0620 and scheduling a complimentary fitness consultation. www.FTOrlando.com.

Article by Glenn Beard, PT