What are your New Year’s resolutions this year? Are you planning to eat healthier? Save money? Maybe you plan to work out more and make this the year that you really get into shape. Often, we start the year with the best of intentions, but we soon lose steam, and fall back into a familiar rut. What’s the secret to making your fitness resolution stick? There’s not really any magic formula, but these practical tips may help.
- Be realistic. You’re not going to lose 10 pounds a month, and you can’t go from couch potato to running a 5k in a week. Cut yourself some slack, and set manageable goals, like losing ½ pound to 1 pound a week. Commit to taking a daily walk or, if you’re already fairly active, a run. Don’t push yourself too hard, or you’ll quickly become discouraged. It’s better to implement small changes that are easier to maintain.
- Pencil in your workout. If you don’t set a time to exercise, you won’t do it. Life is hectic, and we all have other commitments, but if you take a good look at your calendar, you’re sure to find some space to work in a work-out. Make- and keep- a regular date with yourself, because writing a work-out routine into your schedule makes it more likely to happen.
- Expect the unexpected. While it’s important to have a regular routine, flexibility is also a good skill to develop. Have a backup plan in case something unexpected pops up because, let’s face it, unexpected things almost always pop up. Keep workout shoes in your car or at your desk, so you can squeeze in a walk if you can’t get to the gym.
- Shake it up. Walking the same block every day gets dull, so make sure your workouts have variety! Take a Zumba or Spin class, learn a new dance, or sign up for a local fun run, just to keep things interesting.
- Use the buddy system. Having a partner makes any endeavor easier, and this is never truer than in fitness. Ask a friend to be your walking buddy, or sign up with you for yoga class, and you’ll not only be getting into shape, you’ll also be forming new bonds with each other.
- Allow for an off day. Some days, life is too crazy to allow for a workout, and someone brings your favorite baked goods to the office. These things happen! Recognize that you’re only human, and work some “cheat” days into your plan. Remember- every new day brings a fresh start.
- Skip the fad foods. Crazy diets, pre-packaged “diet” foods, energy bars, and fat-free snacks are not the way to go. Instead, choose real, whole foods, focusing on fueling your body with sound nutrition, and you’ll find you feel better and are in better shape.
- Hydrate. The importance of drinking enough water cannot be overstated! It will not only help your body to function at peak performance, but can also reduce cravings for sweets.
- Catch some z’s. Proper rest is essential to any fitness plan. Too little sleep can increase your appetite and cause weight gain. Besides, if you’re going to make it to the gym, you’ll need to get a good night’s rest. The right amount varies from person to person, but 6-8 hours is a good goal.
- Reward yourself. Set your milestones, and plan a celebration each time you hit one. Have your favorite healthy treat after each workout. By rewarding yourself all along the way, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in meeting your long term goals.
If you’re ready to get fit, and need some new fitness equipment to make it happen, Push Pedal Pull can help. Local exercise experts since 1985, we provide fitness equipment for both residential and commercial customers. We’re one of the largest fitness equipment dealers in the country, and the only one in the region to provide in-house sales, service, delivery and installation. We don’t just sell fitness equipment- you can trust us to provide service and support long after the equipment is delivered. Visit one of our convenient locations to see all that we have to offer, or call us at 1.844.574.0270.