Keep Your Eye on the Goal

Chiseled upon the tomb of a disappointed, heart-broken king, Joseph II. of Austria, in the Royal Cemetery at Vienna, a traveler tells us, is this epitaph: "Here lies a monarch who, with the best of intentions, never carried out a single plan."

Sir James Mackintosh was a man of remarkable ability. He excited in every one who knew him the greatest expectations. Many watched his career with much interest, expecting that he would dazzle the world. But there was no purpose in his life. He had intermittent attacks of enthusiasm for doing great things, but his zeal all evaporated before he could decide what to do. This fatal defect in his character kept him balancing between conflicting motives; and his whole life was almost thrown away.

Stick to your goal. Persevere!

Mere energy is not enough, it must be concentrated on some steady, unwavering aim.

There is no grander sight in the world than that of a young man fired with a great purpose, dominated by one unwavering aim. He is bound to win; the world stands one side and lets him pass; it always makes way for the man with a will in him.

What a sublime spectacle it is to see a youth going straight to his goal, cutting his way through difficulties, and surmounting obstacles, which dishearten others, as though they were but stepping-stones! Defeat, like a gymnasium, only gives him new power; opposition only doubles his exertions, dangers only increase his courage. No matter what comes to him, sickness, poverty, disaster, he never turns his eye from his goal.

If better fitness is one of your goals this year, Congratulations! You are choosing perhaps the single best journey anyone can embark upon. Pick up some home fitness gear and workout right in the comfort of home!

If you want a great whole body workout try the Indoor Rowing Machine preferred by more health clubs and hotels than any other. You'll burn more calories - in less time and reach your fitness goals sooner. Enjoy the journey.

Keep your eye on the prize!

Plan for Better Health

Make a plan for better fitness and stick to it.! Every Day!

You know what you like to do — or want to try. But in order to start creating your very own fitness plan, there are a few things you should know.

Go with a plan

Decide ahead of time your activity plan for the week. Using your very own planner, you can schedule all of your weekly activities and it'll be easier to stick to.

Start slowly and build up to a goal. It could be as easy as continuing to do the activities you're already doing — just more often. Or you can pick a new activity and start working on it. Start with a goal of doing at least 60 minutes of activity a day.

Track your progress

Check your progress by checking off your activities on the calendar after you're done. Reward yourself at the end of week for working so hard.

Don't burn out before you even warm up

Too much of a good thing can be bad. Overloading your schedule can discourage you from meeting your goals and overdoing it is the quickest way to burn out.

Mix it up. Be flexible and don't worry about changing your plan. Take a look at your progress once a week or so and adjust your plan to help you reach your goal! It's OKAY to alter your plan. Just keep moving!

Include different types of workouts , sports, and activities in your plan. Doing the same thing everyday gets boring. There's a ton of other sports and activities that are totally doable for you. Bringing along a buddy is a sure way to keep it fun.

Pick activities that work different parts of the body. If you mostly do activities that require a lot of running, mix in some that build strength or help you be more flexible. Try yoga to keep your muscles flexible!

Choose sports and workouts based on different types of weather or seasons. That way you can have fun and stay active rain or shine, hot or cold. Or if the weather doesn't cooperate, get some simple home fitness gear and workout at home!