How to Fulfill Your Fitness Resolutions in 2017
So, it’s that time of year again. We’re gearing up for the silly season, and as we start to eat and drink more than we do at any other time of year, we start making dramatic resolutions for the new year in the hope that we will turn our lives around. How about this year, instead of making wild resolutions that you will never stick to, why not be careful and considered when planning your goals? The whole point of a resolution is to reach it, right? Read on to find out how you can fulfil your fitness resolutions in 2017.
Write it down and measure it
To ensure you stick to your goals, you need to make them both specific and measurable. Broad, vague goals can make you feel unmotivated about exactly what you’re supposed to do to achieve them. Not only is writing down your goals a great way to accomplish them, but it can also help you figure out the exact steps needed to get there.
Keep it interesting
If your resolution is to exercise consistently and regularly every week, you need to think beyond the treadmill and the weight rack. Even for fitness experts, sticking to one or two types of exercise can be detrimental (and mind-numbing!). Experiment with yoga, rock climbing or some martial arts classes like those at IDF Training. The more variety in your exercise program, the more fun it will be to follow, and the more likely you’ll find something you absolutely love.
Make realistic resolutions
Your fitness resolutions should be reachable. If you’ve never lifted weights before, attempting to hit the weight bench seven days a week is setting yourself up for failure. Be realistic; changing a lifetime of habits can’t happen overnight. Start with small, logical fitness steps and work your way up to bigger goals.
Treat yourself
Humans need positive reinforcement, and that goes for fitness goals, too! If you reach one of your fitness milestones – for example, a perfect chin-up or a new cardio personal best – treat yourself! Choose a reward that won’t sabotage all of your hard work, as well. Choose a beach day, a mani-pedi, a new item of clothing or a massage. Regular rewards in pursuit of a goal means that you will reach those milestones faster than you previously thought possible.
Question your motives
Superficial goals can tend to lose their appeal after what seems like an endless amount of time dieting and exercise. Instead, try to correlate your goals with a more direct and ongoing path toward health and happiness. Regular exercise has been proven to have health benefits including lowering cholesterol, boosting overall energy, and even increasing happiness. Bringing some deeper intentions to your workout can make all the difference in sticking to your goals.
Ask for help
Not only is exercising incorrectly bad for your fitness results, but it can be detrimental to your health, too. If you want to try a new weight technique or a new type of training, book a session with a trainer or ask for help at your gym. In order to prevent injury, trainers and instructors are there to help, so make it a point to ask for advice.
Hold yourself accountable
Stay on track with your goals by holding yourself accountable. Book in for 8 weeks of an exercise session that demands attendance. Commit each week to seeing a friend for an exercise class or a run on the beach. Knowing that someone is waiting for you to exercise can prevent skipping workouts, and plus it’s a lot more fun than going it alone. As well as this, according to some studies, sweating with a friend improves results!
Don’t disappoint yourself this new year. Make some realistic resolutions that can be the beginning of a wonderful change for your life. Measure your progress, keep things interesting and don’t forget to ask for help and treat yourself! Remember, you are the key to your fitness success, and failing to plan is planning to fail.
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