Nearly two-thirds of adults in the US who make New Year's resolutions have set fitness goals as part of their resolution. OF those, 73% gave up before meeting their goal. How many times have you set a New Year’s resolution to get in shape only to find yourself quitting by February?
Losing weight and focusing on becoming healthier and more active frequently top the list of New Year’s resolutions each year. It’s not hard to see why — a new year can be the perfect opportunity to become a new you.
The problem is it doesn't always stick.
But if you’re committed to making 2015 the year that you actually follow through on your fitness resolutions,the here is my advice to help keep you motivated and on the right track.
1. Set goals. The first place to start when beginning a new fitness routine is setting a goal. Without a solid goal in mind you can't possibly build a successful path to get there. The other BIG one is knowing your "starting point". Be honest about your current status whether it be weight, measurements or 5k time and set a realistic, attainable goal for where you'd like to get to.
Think just beyond the specific benchmark but the emotional successes you want to feel as well like making sure you are healthy enough to see your children and grow up, getting healthy after beating cancer, be an example for your family, etc.
2. Start slow. A person can’t go from being a couch potato one day to running a marathon the next. Have realistic expectations of yourself and you won't be dissapointed. It takes efficiency and consistency to work up to your goal.
If you try to push yourself too hard in the beginning, you can run the risk of injury. Try starting out with two or three days of exercising for 20 minutes and working up from there. If healthy eating is a challenge, focus on 1 thing at a time like more water each day, making sure you have enough servings of fruits and vegetables etc.
Whatever you do, DO NOT compare yourself to others. You are on your own journey! Many people don’t want to take it slow, thinking if they just up the pace a bit that they can achieve the same body as someone who has been working out for years, but that won't get you far and can be dangerous. START WHERE YOU ARE!
3. Ask questions. There is something to be said for those that ask questions. They LEARN! To make the most of your journey, learn along the way by asking the professionals questions. They are there for a reason. This means your trainers, your doctors or health experts or others who have been there. This could be what to eat when, what supplements you might need or even proper technique on equipment. All will help you get closer to your goal. "The More You Know".
4. Find a gym buddy. An easy way to keep on the right track is to have someone to hold you accountable. This is where great friends come in. If you are on your own, MAKE FRIENDS at the gym or in your classes. You will start looking forward to seeing them there and vice versa which makes it easier to stay on track.
4. Find a gym buddy. An easy way to keep on the right track is to have someone to hold you accountable. This is where great friends come in. If you are on your own, MAKE FRIENDS at the gym or in your classes. You will start looking forward to seeing them there and vice versa which makes it easier to stay on track.
5. Change up your routine. Boredom can also be a killer for fitness goals. I know for myself, I like to keep things rotating so I don't get bored but it's also great for your muscles as well to be challenged. I recommend a mix of strength training, cardio and even flexibility/stretching.
6. Never give up. No one ever said it would be easy, but I assure you, it WILL be worth it! Having a healthier body isn't just a vanity thing. It means your body functions better and more efficiently, and you live longer and better!
There are going to be days when you don't "feel up to working out" but these can add up quickly. Some days you just need to tell yourself to give it 15 minutes at minimum. Maybe that is just a walk but often times, its the hardest to get going!
You just have to say to yourself, "Regardless of whether I feel like it, if I do this and I just show up, this transformation will take place." Trust the process and most importantly, show up.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let 2015 be a year of positive transformation inside and out!
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