Tired of setting up New Year fitness goals that seem unreachable after a mere couple of weeks? We got the right tips to help you out!
Every time the year ends we come up with our infinite lists of healthy resolutions for the new one, and every year we seem to forget some of those along the way. But, what if we could actually come up with new year fitness goals that we can and want to keep?
Coming up with healthy new years resolutions is somewhat easy: you evaluate your past strengths and weaknesses, you decide what you want to improve, change or leave behind, and you set new goals to reach during those bright and crisp 365 new days.
As much as you commit, life happens! So.. in order to actually keep up with your new year fitness goals, we propose you start small and work your way up. You will not only set up healthier goals, but the progressive approach makes it easier and more doable.
If you’ve included in your new years resolution fitness changes, we’ve gathered up a few tips that may help you stay on track during the course of the year.
1. Set realistic goals
As part of your healthy new years resolutions try to avoid focusing on “losing 10 pounds in 2 weeks” and rather work on losing those 10 pounds in a period of 3 months. Doing this removes the unnecessary pressure, and you may actually end up losing even more weight in that period of time!
2. Don’t do it alone
If your new years resolution fitness focus changes from doing it alone, to working as a team, the reward can be impressive. Join a fitness class, get your partner to be your gym buddy, take an active group class… Whenever you are having fun, staying fit is the reward you get while having a good time.
3. Focus on your health
The reason why many healthy new years resolutions fail within the first month, is because we tend to focus on what we see and not on what we feel. Refocusing on how your health is improving and how your body is reacting is way better than having rock-solid abs to show off.
4. Plan ahead
Whether is setting up a work-out schedule that you can actually commit to, or prepping your meals for the week on Sunday night, taking the time to plan your routine will actually help you maintain your focus and succeed.
5. Listen to your body
And that means really pay attention to what you feel. If you feel like you need a day off from the gym, take it. Maintaining your new year fitness goals is all about balance and letting your body rest when necessary.
6. Keep moving
Your new years resolution fitness routine does not have to be boring! Changing things around and trying different activities (running, boxing, dancing, yoga, etc.) ensures that your mind is also engaged in the process. Boredom is not a good ally if you want to stay on track.
7. Reward yourself
Whenever you hit a target or a milestone within your new year fitness goals, reward yourself with a nice treat – a spa day, a night out with your significant other, a decadent 3-course meal…. Remember that moderation is key.
8. Catch up with your Zzzz’s
Our bodies need to recover from daily activities. If you are working out, your resting time should be even more sacred, as its the time that both your body and mind take to unwind, unplug and recharge.
As mentioned above, remember to start small. Baby-stepping at the beginning of your journey is not only recommended, but is actually healthy since you allow your body to gradually prepare and adjust to the new routine.
Allow yourself to indulge every now and then, and don’t forget that all your hard work and dedication does not go to waste after one day off of your healthy schedule.
Sources:
https://www.gaiam.com/blogs/discover/10-tips-to-help-you-keep-your-new-year-s-resolution
http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/11/health/new-years-fitness-resolution-metzl/index.html
https://www.active.com/fitness/articles/5-tips-to-achieve-your-new-year-s-fitness-goals?page=1
https://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/4-new-years-resolutions-you-can-keep.html