Hello again, everyone. I hope this finds you well and energetic after the Holidays. We are officially into winter now that the solstice has come and gone, and I will be discussing some indoor exercises and activities over the course of the next few months. But as this month's title suggests we will be talking about the power of positive thinking.

If you follow my columns in Fit Bits, Forever Young, and my television show, Bill's Total Fitness, you have probably noticed I use a slogan, saying exercise, eat a balanced diet, maintain a positive attitude and be fit for life. I think those ingredients are a very good recipe for getting fit and staying fit.

It is very important to remember that a balance of these ingredients is essential. Everything we do in life physically or otherwise begins with a thought in our minds. Having said that, let us now begin our New Year resolutions and plan our fitness goals for the new you. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, and as tomorrow is promised to no one, today is a good day to start.

Being happy with yourself and others around you is key to the power of positive thinking. When it comes to establishing fitness goals be reasonable and set those goals to be met in stages to realize positive progress. Example: if you decide you need to lose 20 pounds don't expect to lose 20 pounds all in one month, you will only be setting yourself up for disappointment.

A more reasonable goal would be to lose 5 pounds per month over the next 4 months. Remember those extra pounds did not go on overnight and they will not come off overnight, either. Be patient (the power of positive thinking) and you will be successful.

Make up your mind that you will make fitness a part of your new lifestyle (the power of positive thinking) and the new you will soon emerge. Fitness is not only what you see on the outside, but also extends to the inner you. Exercise your mind, and the body will follow suit. Just some food for thought.

So today take a moment and sort out your thoughts and take the first step to a healthier you.

I have recently received some pretty flattering emails from some of you saying when you are working out you often think of me and wonder what Bill would say if he were here, when you are tempted to quit.

Bill would say do one more rep or take one more lap or ride one more mile. Is that the power of positive thinking or what? I am happy that I have made such a difference to some of you and that is very rewarding to me. As always, if you need guidance, ideas or just good old fashioned motivation please email me or call.

Until next time this is your E fitness coach Bill Oberding reminding you to exercise, eat a balanced diet, maintain a positive attitude and be fit for life.