It’s that time of year again…time to focus on your fitness New Year’s resolutions. Many people begin an exercise program, or a New Year weight loss program but abandon it before Easter. However, you can increase your chances for long-term success if you follow these five simple tips to achieve your New Year fitness goals.
Create a Plan
Before you start your exercise program, answer three questions. First, when will you exercise? Identify three days and times that are convenient for you and stick with those days so you’re working out at the same time each week. Second, what type of exercise will you do? The best type of exercise is one you enjoy. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing; pick an exercise that works for you. Choose from activities such as walking, cycling, running, swimming, weightlifting, skating, dancing, golf, handball, tennis and basketball. Third, how much time will you spend exercising? Start with as little as 10 minutes per session and slowly build up to at least 30 minutes per workout. You can easily find the equipment you need to get started right here at Buydig.com
It’s a Number Game
Attach a number and deadline to your fitness New Year’s resolution. Get really specific. Vague goals such as “workout more,” “lose weight,” or “live a healthier lifestyle” are recipes for failure when creating your fitness New Year’s resolutions because they can’t be measured and there’s no end. If you’re not working towards a specific number, you can never feel the sense of accomplishment that New Year fitness goals are meant to deliver. Here are some examples of specific fitness goals:
– Lose 10 pounds
– Run a 10k
– Do 10 pull-ups
– Hold an inverted yoga pose for 20 seconds
– Run an 8-minute mile
You should also set an attainable deadline that will keep you motivated. It’s better to set a 30-90 day deadline and once you hit that goal, set a new one for the next 30-90 days.
Start Small
If you never workout, don’t start with a New Year fitness goal that involves working out 6 days a week. Instead, set a smaller, more attainable New Year fitness goal that won’t overwhelm you. Start with 30 minutes 3 days a week while you build your strength and stamina up. Once that becomes a habit, add another day or an additional 15 minutes to the 3 days. It’s important to build a solid foundation first. If you stick with your smaller New Year fitness goals for 2-3 months, it will be much easier to keep it going and accomplish bigger goals.
Call a Friend
You may know someone who also made some fitness New Year’s resolutions. Begin your fitness journey together. It will increase your chances for success and you’ll have more fun. For this to work, you have to find an exercise that both of you enjoy. This might be a challenge, but it’s worth it since an exercise partner provides you with a support system, a positive social experience and inspiration. There will be times when you don’t feel like working out and a partner can be just the motivation you need to get going. Use your Garmin activity trackers from Buydig.com to track, compare and even compete against each other if that’s what it takes to keep you both motivated! Get this Garmin Vivofit Jr. activity tracker for your kids to get them on the right track too!
Rewards Along the Way
Keep yourself motivated as you reach towards your New Year fitness goals by deciding on a reward for small accomplishments along the way. If your goal is to lose 10 pounds, reward yourself for every 2 pounds you lose with something fun and exciting, but that won’t set you back. For example, new yoga pants, a night out dancing with friends, tickets to the next game of your favorite sports team, a cooking class, etc. It’s important to decide the rewards and milestones in advance though, so you always know what you’re working toward.
Use these tips to set yourself up for success and ensure your fitness New Year’s resolution doesn’t fizzle out a month down the road.
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