It happens every year. Over the holidays we enjoy time with friends and family and reflect on the past 12 months. This usually sets us on mission to improve the next 12 months. One of the first goals everyone sets is related to fitness. Some people want to lose weight, gain muscle or simply get stronger. These are very worthy goals; however, in the age of instant gratification, it's easy to get discouraged if you don't see progress right away.



Here are 7 helpful tips to help you reach your fitness and weight loss goals.



1) Be realistic – Good things take time. Break your goal into bite size pieces. Set a goal to lose 1 pound a week. This is a realistic goal. With consistent exercise and minor changes in your nutrition, this goal can happen. If you stick with it for 12 months, you can lose as much as 52 pounds in the next 12 months.



2) Find a coach – A coach can pay big dividends. Being accountable to someone will help you go the extra mile. A coach or a mentor can review what you have been doing and make adjustments along the way. Find someone that has credibility and easy to work with.



3) Make it fun – If you are not having fun, it will never last. Find a workout program that is fun for you. It is best to participate in a group exercise program. This will help you be involved in a community with similar goals and aspirations. Being part of a fitness community also opens up resources and another layer of accountability.



4) Focus on functionality – There are many types of exercise programs out there. Some are more effective than others. Find a program that teaches functional exercises. Functional movements are movements that involve multiple joints and they mimic movement you experience in real life. Functional movements will increase your strength and will also have a positive impact on your body composition.



5) Measure your results – You can only improve what you measure. Create a journal. Document your activity and nutrition. This will create great information to review with your coach. Success is found in the details. By documenting your activity you will discover where you can make minor adjustments to create major improvements.



6) Stay consistent – Yo-yo diets and exercise will bring yo-yo results. This is a big confidence breaker. The best results are based on consistent efforts. Think long term. The results will come if your efforts are constant. It is up to you. Fitness is a life ling endeavor. Make improvements every day.



7) Get educated – There is an abundant amount of information available to you. Take the time to find it. Absorb new information and begin to apply it into your life. Learn. Being a student will help you make better decisions.



There are a few guidelines that will help you achieve your fitness goals. These are only guidelines. The effort and commitment come from you. Start working towards achieving your goals one day at a time.



Vince Pacleb has been involved in the CrossFit community since early 2008. He is a CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Football & CrossFit Endurance coach. He is the Co-Founder of CrossFit I-5, Academy of Elite Fitness, www.crossfiti5.com. CrossFit I-5 is a CrossFit affiliate located in Mission Viejo, Ca. He has had a tremendous success working with athletes of all calibers, from the grandmothers to former Olympians. Prior to CrossFit, Coach Vince was an owner of a successful boxing and kickboxing gym that also promoted amateur fight events in Orange County, California. He is committed to helping people find their inner athlete and achieving and elite level of fitness.



Mark Robert writes number of topics on MMA Conditioning San Juan Capistrano. This article provide information on fitness weight training Rancho Santa Margarita.