Having a goal is one of the most important keys to living a fulfilled life. Paul knew it when he wrote the scripture above. This is also the case when looking to live a healthy lifestyle. It’s not enough to just say you want to be healthy, it takes a plan and action. The new year is here and with that comes many new years resolutions; many that will be made and many more that will be broken. I want you to be one of the few people who actually follow through with their goal. Below I have put together a step by step plan that will help give the edge you need to reach your goal this year.

1) Set a goal and write it down- It is not enough to just say you have a goal, you must write it down and keep it where you can find it. Have a friend or family member sign it with you.

2) Attach emotion to your goal- Your goal has to mean something to you, otherwise it is just another wish. Be passionate about your goal.

3) Find support- Tell someone you trust about your goal. Someone you know who will support, encourage, and help keep you accountable.

4) Make it a priority- If your goal is to exercise daily put it on your calender and don’t take it off.

5) Set a time limit- Give yourself a time limit to reach your goal, otherwise you will still have the same goal next year that you have now. 3 months is a good time limit for most goals. If you can’t reach your goal in three months rethink your goal.

6) Take action- Now that you have a plan in place start moving toward your goal and don’t stop till you get there!!!!

Click Here To Register

It is important to make exercise enjoyable otherwise no one will want to do it. This is a great way to spend time together, boost self esteem, and get your teen to talk! Most gyms allow kids to exercise in the facility around age 13. However, if your unable to make it to the gym with your kids, I have put together a very effective and fun 20 minute in home workout that can be done by everyone in the family.

Below are just a few exercises you can do in your home (for more ideas go to my website). To add an element of fun to the family workout, use a deck of cards to determine the number of repetitions every person will perform for each exercise listed below.  Aces count as 11 and face cards count as 10. Every family member should take three turns at all five exercises. Preform these exercises 3-4 times a week.

1) Push ups

2) Squats

3) Tricep dips on a chair

4) In place lunges

5) Crunches

Finally, have each person rate their exercise time for the week which will encourage everyone to stay active. Each week, measure your fitness levels to determine your family’s overall fitness average. Add each person’s own calculation of their level of fitness for the week; zero meaning they did nothing, and 7 meaning they exercised daily. Divide the total by the number of family members. Set a goal to average at least a 5 or 6 each week, rewarding the entire family if it’s met (reward should be agreed on by every participating member).