Lifestyle changes begin with personal motivation
With seven days already gone in 2009, millions of Americans are thinking about resolutions; it’s time to be realistic. Are you even ready? Change does not occur as a single event; rather, it is a process that develops over time. The American Council on Exercise recommends understanding where your body and fitness level and looking to a personal trainer and other expert sources to guide you through the process.
“We all go through noticeable, obvious phases when making decisions to change habits,” said Dr. Cedric Bryant, ACE chief science officer. “By taking the time to evaluate if you are ready to start exercising, you've thoughtfully planted yourself on the path to better health and fitness.”
Researchers Prochaska, DiClemente, and Norcross, in 1991, created a stages-of-change model to guide people through the process of making and keeping resolutions and personal goals.
Precontemplation: You are in denial. You are not intending to change anytime soon (that is, within six months). You are unaware of and/or denying the need for lifestyle change. You’re pessimistic, especially about your ability to change or the real benefits of becoming more active and modifying your diet.
Contemplation: You’re considering it. Weighing the costs, effort, treatment and time commitment, you mull over joining a fitness or weight-loss program in the near future. This stage is often characterized by ambivalence. You may remain in this stage for months or even years.
Preparation: You’ve made the first move. You’ve scheduled an appointment with a personal trainer, studied up on the latest diets and exercises, started to limit your consumption of junk food or you have joined a gym and are exercising periodically.
Action: You are changing your behavior. You’re going to your yoga class, walking regularly, planning meals and/or keeping a diet record. Unfortunately, during the action stage, you are at greatest risk for relapse.
Maintenance: You’ve done it. You have successfully sustained lifestyle modification. You continue to actively utilize methods to monitor and control your behavior. You may even be avoiding situations that would increase the probability of slips and relapse.
Are you ready? If you are, but are unsure how to get started, hire a personal trainer, join a local support group or connect with others online with similar goals as your own who are trying to change their ways.
The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting active, healthy lifestyles and their positive effects on the mind, body and spirit.
Researchers Prochaska, DiClemente, and Norcross, in 1991, created a stages-of-change model to guide people through the process of making and keeping resolutions and personal goals.
Precontemplation: You are in denial. You are not intending to change anytime soon (that is, within six months). You are unaware of and/or denying the need for lifestyle change. You’re pessimistic, especially about your ability to change or the real benefits of becoming more active and modifying your diet.
Contemplation: You’re considering it. Weighing the costs, effort, treatment and time commitment, you mull over joining a fitness or weight-loss program in the near future. This stage is often characterized by ambivalence. You may remain in this stage for months or even years.
Preparation: You’ve made the first move. You’ve scheduled an appointment with a personal trainer, studied up on the latest diets and exercises, started to limit your consumption of junk food or you have joined a gym and are exercising periodically.
Action: You are changing your behavior. You’re going to your yoga class, walking regularly, planning meals and/or keeping a diet record. Unfortunately, during the action stage, you are at greatest risk for relapse.
Maintenance: You’ve done it. You have successfully sustained lifestyle modification. You continue to actively utilize methods to monitor and control your behavior. You may even be avoiding situations that would increase the probability of slips and relapse.
Are you ready? If you are, but are unsure how to get started, hire a personal trainer, join a local support group or connect with others online with similar goals as your own who are trying to change their ways.
The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting active, healthy lifestyles and their positive effects on the mind, body and spirit.