Mulligan Mondays: A Fresh Start To Your Diet and Fitness Routine?

What if your resolutions didn't hinge on January 1 and the New Year, and you could hit reset to get a fresh start to your diet and workout? Well, that's just what Self magazine editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger has proposed via a video on her blog. Danziger's "Mulligan Monday," as she coined it, began yesterday, but it can be applied to any Monday to reboot and focus on your 2010 health goals. Mulligan Mondays can occur multiple times a year -- heck, even a month -- to get you leaving bad habits behind in favor of a new, healthier beginning to 2010.

That's Fit spoke with Lucy more about this concept, how she thinks it can be applied year-round, and on the success of her Mulligan Monday:

That's Fit: Explain to us a bit about how "Mulligan Monday" came about.
Lucy Danziger: The concept came from a friend, Heather Cacci (also a teammate who trains for triathlons with me). Heather told me she just had the toughest January and wanted a fresh start to 2010. I agreed and said, 'Maybe February should be the New January.' Then I thought, hey, everyone deserves a second chance. Tennis gives you a second serve and golf you can ask for a Mulligan to get another chance. I am here to give you permission to start over ... and multiple times if you need to!

TF: How can people who missed the February 1 Mulligan Monday hop on board this concept?
LD: January is just a tough month in general -- holiday bills, work to get caught up on, etcetera -- so I propose we create a focus on February and, in fact, every Monday this spring.

TF: What's the appeal of resetting your diet and fitness goals on a Monday?
LD: It's a perfect day to look forward and not back. I'd say you can reboot or hit refresh any time, but some Mondays seem to lend themselves better than others, like the start of the month or the middle. February 15 is the day after Valentine's Day, so it's the perfect moment to leave chocolate soufflé and champagne in the past and get back to healthy habits. March 1 is another Monday, so already you get to try three times in the first two months of the new decade.

TF: Overall, how was your Mulligan Monday experience? What did you accomplish, and how did it help motivate you?
LD: My "Mulligan Monday" experience went great. Just knowing I was forgiven for my diet mistakes and flubs (and not getting to the gym in January) meant I could do better in the new month. I started over the weekend, so by Monday I was on track. So far, so good.

TF: How can TF readers use the Mulligan Monday concept to hit their fitness or weight goals in 2010?
LD: Think: How can I be healthier from here on out? Yesterday is done and it's all about tomorrow and becoming the best future you. You're allowed to start creating her any day you feel like it. Good luck!

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