Fitness resolutions you’ll actually keep
How to make your new workout goals actually last beyond February.
Photo: iStock
Do you ever make grand plans for your fitness in January, only to be falling off the workout wagon come Feb? Sounds all too familiar. Whether your goal is to run your first half marathon or simply take the stairs more often —you can achieve it. Check out these tips to have your fittest year yet.
Buddy up
Working out with your bestie is way more fun than flying solo in the gym, but more importantly, also keeps you accountable. The key is to align yourself with buddies who share similar values. Discuss what you both want to get out of your workouts, create a plan, and stick to it! If one of you starts to get flaky, implement a 10 burpee punishment or make them buy the post-workout coffees.
Shake it up
When you feel your motivation start to fade, it’s time to shake things up. Changing up your workout regime not only prevents boredom, but keeps your fitness from plateauing. Try taking your workout outside, adding speed intervals, add new music to your playlist, invest in a personal trainer, or sign up for a cause, such as a charity race for challenging way to improve fitness. Change can help keep your workouts fun and interesting, giving you something to look forward to – and exactly what will keep you coming back for more.
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Get Techy
Measuring your progress is a sure-fire ways to stay motivated when working towards a fitness goal. Wearable devices like Fitbit, Garman or Apple watch are smart and practical ways to collect daily health metrics and keep key health and fitness goals at the forefront of your mind. However, be aware that trackers tend to overestimate kilojoules burned from exercise. Translation? A hardcore workout does not give you a licence to eat whatever you want.
Stick to a schedule
The way you manage your time is key for accomplishing any goal, and fitness is no exception. A.M exercise is a great way to fit a workout into a busy day, before the day gets the better of you. But if the thought of getting out of bed early seems like a far cry, make your fitness routine work for you: Pick a time and treat it like a regular appointment. Repeat, repeat and repeat.
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Be forgiving
Once you have established a goal, don’t expect to achieve it flawlessly. While a few hiccoughs along the way are normal, just don’t use an “off day” as an excuse to berate yourself and throw in the sweaty towel. If taking time off means slightly tweaking your resolution, then so be it – just don’t give up.
Kathleen Alleaume is a nutrition and exercise scientist and founder of The Right Balance @therightbalance
January 3, 20179:49am
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