Make Your Resolutions Stick
Don't set yourself up to feel like a days fitness failure by
setting unrealistic, impractical or boring workout resolutions. Instead,
follow these surefire tips to keep your days resolutions and
reach your fitness goals.
Make a short list
You can't reach goals unless you set them — but you won't reach your
fitness goals if you set too many or make them too vague. It's wiser to
make a list of three to five fitness goals instead of a long impractical
list or one unspecific goal, such as "work out more." A short list will
make your fitness resolutions less overwhelming and more achievable.
Here's an example of a short list of fitness resolutions:
- Do 20 minutes of cardio three days a week (you can even specify the days to make you more accountable).
- Take the kettlebell class at the gym on Mondays and Thursdays (insert any class here).
- Try one new workout every two weeks (this can be a new fitness class, a fitness DVD or a session with a personal trainer).
Know your limits, but don't be limited
Reach for your dreams, but don't set the bar so high that you crash
and burn. At the beginning of the year, you are super-amped to set goals
and meet them, but your enthusiasm might wane once you encounter
limitations caused by work, family, illness or fitness level. Instead of
making a fitness resolution to run a marathon by spring, work your way
up a big accomplishment. For example, make a fitness goal to run a 5K;
once you do, make another fitness goal to run a 10K. Then, shoot for a
half-marathon and then, a marathon. You may not run a marathon by
spring, but you will be training for longer-distance events and meeting
fitness goals along the way, which is key to staying motivated.
Exercise and enjoy it
Don't resolve to join the Zumba team if you hate dancing. Just
because a workout is the new rage does not mean you must labor through
it if you hate it. Determine the activities you like doing and make
fitness resolutions to get more of them. Do try new workouts — we
recommend once a week — to add variety to your routine, but if you know a
certain mode of exercise isn't for you, don't force it. The more
enjoyable your physical activities, the more likely you'll do them.
Be flexible
In a perfect world, you'd make an exercise schedule, and nothing
would get in the way of your daily workout. We don't live in a perfect
world, though, so prepare for scheduling snafus, whether it's your boss
calling a lunch meeting that keeps you from your noontime boot camp
class, or you sleeping through your 6 a.m. alarm and having no time to
run before taking your kids to school. Always have a backup workout
plan, and don't stress about it. Fitness DVDs are the perfect substitute
for class workouts, and they can be done whenever your schedule allows.
Another option is to simply take a powerwalk when you get a break in
your day and commit to getting back on your planned week of workouts.
Being flexible will keep you from giving up and feeling like a fitness
failure.
Plan for your workouts
Pull out your smartphone and put your workouts on your calendar.
Being able to see them every week keeps you accountable. Consider it an
exercise to-do list; you know how good it feels to check things off a
list. In addition to scheduling your workouts, make it easy to do them.
Lay your fitness attire out the night before your workout, set an alarm
if you're doing early-morning exercise, and pack your gym bag with a
bottle of water, nutrition bar, towel and anything else you'll need
before and after you sweat.
Dress the part
Think about it: Are you going to be more motivated to go to the gym
clad in your baggy sweats or in cute leggings and a tank top? Buy one or
two flattering fitness outfits that you can mix and match. You'll feel
better about yourself — and when you look in the mirror while you sweat,
you'll know you look better, too.
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