Mid-January hits: How those resolutions coming along?

Well, it’s the middle of January and time to ask how your resolutions to eat healthier and exercise more are going.

For many of us (me included), eating healthier seems to be the lesser of two evils, so to speak.

Trying to find time to add more activity to our daily schedules can be very difficult.

Since we don’t have access to 24-hour gyms that make it so convenient to work out when we feel like it, we need to be more creative in our approach to exercise.

Keep in mind that being “active” isn’t restricted to the confines of a gym.

Think outside the treadmill!

Think of activities that will maintain your willingness and level of commitment for the long haul.

Here are some approaches to exercise that can help you achieve your goals.

1. Make it fun. Forget about the “no pain, no gain” philosophy and engage in activities such as snowshoeing, x-country and downhill skiing which give you the added bonus of enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

You’re more likely to stick with activities you enjoy.

If you’re more into indoor activities and have a Wii or X-Box Kinect, get out those sports/activity games.

They provide a workout for the whole family and are so much fun you won’t even realize you’re exercising.

2. Forget those glory days of high school when you were a cross country running star.

It’s time to move on and have realistic expectations of what your body can handle today.

Begin with a brisk walk vs. a run, or do more reps with lighter weights.

Small gains will keep you motivated and you won’t have to worry about injuring yourself, which could cause a total setback.

3. Set smaller goals as you strive toward your ultimate goal. It’s easier to build on smaller goals, and little victories will motivate you to continue.

4. Be your own benchmark. Pay attention to your own progress and don’t compare yourself against the washboard abs or buns of steel of the next guy.

Your goals are personal. Stay focused on small success, even if it’s just walking three times this week instead of twice.

Then celebrate your achievement, but not with food of course!

5. Track your progress. Jot everything down in a notebook or calendar on the fridge so you can see how far you have come.

Record your time and distance when you walk or run.

If you’re resistance training, jot down how much weight you’re lifting and how many reps you’re doing. This helps give you a sense of accomplishment.

6. Get friends involved. A workout partner gives you support and may even spark your competitive side.

You’re also more likely to stick to an exercise schedule if skipping a workout means letting a friend down.

And don’t forget the value of having someone nearby if your blood sugar crashes.

7. Keep your priorities straight. What’s more important, watching TV or completing the activity you promised yourself that day?

In the short run, exercise can boost your energy and make you feel great.

In the long run, it can save your life.

Hopefully these ideas help keep you on track.

Trying to eat healthier and to be more active takes work, but in time it will just become a daily habit.

Keep in mind that the only tried-and-true method to lose 10 pounds in 48 hours is to suffer from food poisoning.