Your first step is to create a New Year fitness plan that will help you reach those goals. Then comes the real challenge: sticking to it. Here’s how to make the most of your New Year’s resolutions.
1. Evaluate the past year. Start off by giving yourself a pat on the back. What did you do well in 20092 Maybe you tested the boundaries of your normal fitness routine with spin or kickboxing classes. Or, perhaps you cut back on sugary foods or eating out. Write down any positive changes you made to get you closer to living a healthy lifestyle on one side of a sheet of paper, and then in another column, list the things you think you could have done better. This is where you’ll want to focus when creating a New Year weight loss plan.
2. Set realistic goals. Sure, you might have dreams of running a marathon one day (and good for you!), but making that a goal for the year could be daunting if you’ve yet to complete 10 kilometers. So start small. In this case, sign up for a 5Km road race two to three months out, and build from there. You want a New Year fitness program that’s going to keep you motivated and achieving goals–not looking too far into the future and getting frustrated.
3. Think positive. Your New Year weight loss goal might be to lose 10 kilograms, but you’ll never get there if you put yourself in a mindset that you’re missing out on things you enjoy. Avoid looking at eating healthier as “being on a diet”–this sounds like you’re taking something away. Instead, say, “I’m going to eat more fruits and vegetables.” It works toward the same goal, but in a positive context.
4. Post goals where you can see them. Put that list on the fridge, in your car or even at your desk at work. Constantly reminding yourself what you’re hoping to achieve will help build willpower (especially when your coworkers bring in sweets to the office).
5. Get a partner in crime. Chances are your friends are also looking to set up a New Year fitness plan, so bring it up in conversation now. You’re more likely to stick with a workout schedule if you have someone to join you for those early-morning runs, after-work gym trips and weekend yoga classes. You can also keep each other motivated by celebrating when you achieve your goals.
6. Go public. Tell your family and friends about your New Year weight loss goals. Saying them out loud–and letting others know about your plans–will help hold you accountable for them. Let’s face it: If you tell the people closest to you that you’re entering a bike race, it’ll be a lot harder to bail out on it!
7. Dress the part. Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy, but gearing up with new workout clothes and the right sneakers certainly helps. Look for attire made with breathable fabrics so you feel as good as you look at the gym.
8. Plan ahead. Fitting in workouts and healthy meals can be difficult with a busy schedule, so don’t save those decisions for the last minute. Map out your workout plan for the week and write it down, and then do the same with your meals. If you don’t have time to cook every night (who does, righth), make a few healthy meals early in the week so you’re covered.
9. Keep a log. Post a calendar with your workout schedule or carry a small notebook so you can track your distance, gym time or whatever it is that you’re doing for your New Year fitness program. Putting a check mark next to your goals after each day will show your progress and keep you on track.
10. Reward yourself. One piece of cake, glass of wine or slice of pizza isn’t going to ruin your weight loss plan, so treat yourself every once in a while. The same goes for exercise–while it’s great to hit the gym, it’s also necessary to schedule at least one day off a week so your body can rest. Another option: Make an appointment for a massage once a month to relax tired muscles. You deserve it!
Comments