Felsted’s Director of Sport Blog ‘FortKnightley’ looks at sporting issues that are relevant today and will leave you all with something to think about. Follow on Twitter @dirfelstedsport 
 

Realistic Resolutions

Whatever the landscape is in the next few months there will be many of you that have made your resolutions for the new year. Traditionally many of these resolutions will be fitness related, but unfortunately before the winter has left us, the resolutions will have fallen on stony ground. The issue is that the inspirational challenge needed to make the resolution attractive enough to see you change your behaviour can often be unrealistic and out of reach. It also comes at a time when the dark evenings and often wet and cold days don’t make venturing outside that attractive. Gyms are currently closed and this January more than most will make getting outside for exercise more important than ever and I wish you all the best with staying mentally and physically healthy. 

Don’t be afraid to start slowly and build up your programme as your confidence develops having achieved these smaller process goals along the way. It is better to walk 5k twice a week for 5 weeks than run 5K once to never return to the programme. A variety of challenges is also a good idea, so you change the focus from cardio to strength/core and skills. This breaks up the monotony that some types of training can generate and will benefit you in more ways. The key to any programme or set of challenges is that you can maintain the motivation and so I hope those pupils following the Felsted Sport at Home 21 challenges find enough variety in the programme to find a routine that works for them. Why not get the family involved or work in a team to reach a targeted goal. It has been great to hear that the Garnett’s girls are looking to run the distance from John O’Groats to Lands End during this half term. Having a team goal can be motivating and definitely rewarding. 

Whatever your challenges for the year I do hope that you can enjoy them and take others with you on your positive journey. Don’t let perfect get in the way of effort and achievement as change can take time and your perseverance will be rewarded. I have been inspired by many stories of human endeavour and resilience in the face of adversity in recent times and so a little pain to achieve your goals should be embraced and expected. In truth, the resolutions should disappear into a lifestyle.