Every year, people make health-related new years resolutions. Some succeed, but others fail. So what’s the secret to succeeding? Obviously, being healthy is a worthy goal, and no doubt, everyone who starts as good intentions. So what separates those who succeed from those who don’t?
Often, it’s as simple as having the right plan.
Here are a few tips that will help you brainstorm a fitness plan that will work for you:
Be realistic.
If you don’t have two hours a day to work out, don’t commit to going to two classes at the gym everyday. Or if you can’t squeeze anything else into your evening, don’t save your workout for after work. Decide fitness is a priority, but set yourself up for success by choosing logistics you can accommodate.
Pick fitness activities you enjoy.
If you hate to run, don’t run just because you think it burns more calories than some other activity. We get the best results from fitness plans we will do with consistency.
If you dread it, do you really think you’ll do it?
Think outside of the box. Do you like to dance? Take a class. Did you play sports in high school? Find a community league. Are you a germaphobe who freaks out at the thought of using free weights someone else has used? Buy a DVD set, and use your own weights at home. Your workout should be something you look forward to – not just something you have to check off your to-do list.
Set incremental goals you can reach on a regular basis.
A year can seem like a long time when you’re waiting on something specific. Maybe you want to lose 100 lbs this year. Set smaller goals that will help you get to your big goal so you can see progress along the way, such as losing two pounds a week. It doesn’t have to be that drastic, though. You can simply set a goal of how many meals you will cook at home a month to prevent you from eating out so much.
For every small goal you achieve, reward yourself! What’s rewarded is repeated. Here are some ideas:
- Weekly date night with your spouse for clean eating throughout the week
- Monthly massage for not skipping workouts
- Quarterly shopping trip for new clothes in smaller sizes
Get some accountability.
If you keep your goals to yourself, sure, you’re the only one who will know if you fall short. But you’re also the only one who will know when to celebrate. You’ll be the only one who knows what you’re juggling. You’ll be the only one to cheer you on when you encounter a tough day.
Find a friend or a family member who has the gift of encouragement, and ask them to hold you accountable to your goals. Better yet – get them to join you! Reaching goals with someone else is sometimes just the push we need to succeed.
Ask for help if you need it.
People become professionals for a reason…so the rest of us don’t have to be experts!
If you’re completely at a loss at where to begin, please contact me so I can help you. I work in fitness because I genuinely love it. Few things make my day like helping someone else! I’d love to help you find a plan that will work with your lifestyle to give you the health you deserve.
