You’ve made a resolution for this year to get fit. But where should you start, and how can you maintain success along the way? We have a few tips to achieve your New Year’s fitness goals and create positive, lasting change.
No one suddenly wakes up one morning thinking, “I’ve never exercised regularly before. I’ll start that today.” Fitness is a well-considered choice with various
underlying motivations.
Maybe the holiday sweets settled in your midsection, and you’ll feel more comfortable by shedding a few pounds. Or perhaps aches and pains have you feeling out of sorts, and exercise will give your muscles and joints the regular work they crave. Whatever it is, figure out your motivation and remember it.
Throughout your journey, if you feel down, think back on the good you hope to get out of this new change and keep going. And remember, your reason for fitness should be about you and your desire to be your best self, rather than about pleasing someone else.
Rushing into fitness plans never seems to pan out. Rigid goals like achieving a target weight in a short period can be unrealistic, too, if you’re not physically and mentally prepared. Dip your toes into the fitness pool to start. If regular exercise is new to you, consider talking to your doctor about your physical readiness.
Do what feels comfortable. Work your way up to a more rigorous exercise routine that you can realistically maintain. It could be as simple as walking to your morning bus stop. Or maybe you’ve casually walked on the treadmill, but want to get in the habit of jogging a few days a week. Work out at your own pace and celebrate the small strides toward achieving your ultimate goals along the way. This will build excitement throughout your journey.
No one said it would be easy to achieve your New Year’s fitness goals, especially at the beginning. This makes your challenge harder, but you can ease the burden of your new routine. Got a friend who wants to work out too? Create a personal support system with that person, working out together and sharing in the ups and downs.
Having an exercise buddy to lean on can make your chosen activities more fun just by having company. Additionally, doing this is a way to ensure accountability. When one person is feeling discouraged, a friend may provide the boost needed to keep going. Sometimes a personal cheering section is what you need to get past challenges.
To make a real change, fitness has to be more than just a start-of-year resolution. Make a commitment to positive change and stick to it by making it part of your life and routine.
It might seem daunting to hold yourself to a level of fitness moving forward. Keep your goal and fitness regimen front of mind by working out when and however often is right for you. This might mean that between work and family, you have to schedule time for fitness activities, and that’s OK. Early morning, lunchtime and post-work exercise are a few easy schedules to follow, at a healthy frequency.
“Aw, man. I have to go to the gym tonight.” Goals to exercise often fail because people just don’t like what they’re doing, instilling a sense of dread. Maximize your enjoyment and results by selecting activities you legitimately like to do.
Sports buff? Organize a game of pick-up basketball once a week. Enjoy the spirit of competition and the company of your friends along the way. Or maybe you like to dance. Follow along at home to a fitness program and dance your heart out without feeling self-conscious. Doing something fun will make you want to exercise and ultimately help maintain consistency.
No matter how entertaining or challenging your workout, one thing is clear: it is tiring. In addition to a new workout regimen,
add in a monthly massage
to unwind and refresh your muscles. Put in the time to achieve your New Year’s fitness goals and reward yourself with a
massage from Sewickley Spa.
