The start of a new year is the perfect time to make a lifestyle change. Some people want to start swimming, running or exercising regularly, others just want to get rid of their eating habits after the holidays. If you are one of those eternal beginners, believe me, you are not alone. Even professional athletes struggle with willpower and sometimes prejudice. So here's a few tips to help you challenge your own comfort zone.
Be honest with yourself about what you want to achieve. It doesn't have to be competing in the Los Angeles Olympics. Much smaller goals will do. Lose weight? Get in shape? Win a bet with someone? Training for a race? Of course, it is possible to exercise regularly without specific goals, but this makes it harder to stick with the activity. On a daily basis regularity is one of the keys to success. Set aside one or more days a week when you can devote yourself to swimming. In the morning, over lunch or in the evening after work? It's up to you.
Follows the goal, but it's the will that you'll struggle with most of the time. Once you've persuaded yourself to jump in the water, you've won. But the biggest problem comes in the morning when the alarm goes off and your colleagues at work are getting ready for lunch, or in the evening when all you can think about is the programme on TV. But you've made a resolution, so grit your teeth. You'll find there's no substitute for the rush of victory.
Every victory should be celebrated, so treat yourself! Of course, it doesn't have to be champagne after a swim, but maybe a coffee in your favourite café will taste even better. If you're an afternoon swimmer, the reward could be a nice dinner you're looking forward to. And if food and drink aren't enough, you can always buy something for the pool.
You probably know this too. Sometimes you just don't get enough sleep, don't eat enough, aren't doing well at school or work and it's not worth it in the pool. Counting the tiles on the bottom of the pool doesn't help. What can help is a music player in the water and a favourite playlist.
Another good servant, but sometimes a bad master, can be social networks. STRAVA, Garmin Connect and others make it easy to record what you've swum, and also allow you to compare your previous performances with your current ones. Or with friends. But here's the problem: everyone loves an ego boost, and if the hothead can't hold back the endorphins, too bad. So be realistic and remember that you're doing it for yourself first and foremost!
