Two of the top New Year’s resolutions every year are to exercise more and to lose weight
Millions of people say to themselves, “this is going to be my year to stick to my plans and get the results of my dreams.”
For the first four to six weeks, things tend to go well for your new resolution and they actually start to see some promising results. Unfortunately, for most people, the results start to wane and before you know, they’re back on the couch with their favorite bag of chips and soda.
According to a clinical study, of those who make resolutions, 46% of them are successful compared to the 4% of those who don’t make resolutions. But, as the saying goes, “it’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.”
To help keep you on track towards your 2021 fitness goals, here are three quick tips that are easy to start and easier to maintain.
Take baby steps
Changing life-long habits is not easy, so before diving head-first into your New Year’s goals, remember to take small steps and first get mentally prepared for the change that’s about to happen.
When you try to do too much too soon, you’ll end up sore, injured and discouraged. Take baby steps as you get started. For example, the first week into your new fitness journey, you may only run less than a mile. But, when running a mile becomes easy, you can make it more challenging by running a mile and a half.
Mix it up
One of the main reasons people fall off track with their fitness goals is that it becomes mundane. Doing the same exercise program gets old and eventually, your body adapts to the training and no longer responds. It can cause your results to come to a screeching halt.
To avoid this, mix things up and switch up your exercises. Not only will this prevent you from plateauing in your training, but your workouts will stay fresh and exciting. The chances of you dropping off or skipping your sessions will be less likely.
If you’re more inclined to walk on the treadmill, try riding the stationary bike or the elliptical machine instead. Or, instead of the stair master, switch to free weights and work them into your fitness regimen. It’s not necessary to completely change your routine every day, but remember to mix it up.
Keep a fitness journal or workout log
It can be easy to fall off track with your fitness goals if you’re not keeping track of when you’re exercising, the type of exercises you’re doing and your food intake. This is the best way to hold yourself accountable for everything that you do and everything you consume.
By logging your workouts and meals, you make sure that you can properly plan your next sessions according to your previous ones. It also means that you will have consistently good workouts, be able to measure your performance and make adjustments to your training and eating regimen as needed. By knowing that you are constantly improving, you remain motivated to hit your fitness goals.
If your New Year’s resolution is to exercise more and lose weight, remember these three easy tips: take baby steps, mix it up and keep a fitness journal. Keep these in mind and you will be on your way to staying committed and reaching your fitness goals.
As with any exercise program, you should always consult your physician or other health care professional before starting any fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs.
