Although we are always changing and growing throughout the year, the start of the new year is a great time to sort out some resolutions to motivate you and get you closer to your goals.
Chances are, you’ve already made plenty of resolutions. Following through can be tricky when life gets complicated and schedules get tight with work and family. Don’t feel bad; you’re not alone. Only about 8 percent of those who make resolutions stick to them all 12 months of the year, so let’s use this as a motivator to fulfill our 2019 goals!
Don’t give up. This coming year can be different. You just need realistic goals and a new approach. Learn how to make your resolutions into lasting habits.
A great way to start a New Years’ workout regimen is with a personal trainer or in a group fitness class – both help to keep you motivated and it always helps to have a support team to keep you accountable!
The important thing is that you are part of a community that you feel comfortable and free to be yourself in!
Make Small Changes
What’s your typical resolution for the New Year?
If you’re like most people, you think up a few lofty goals and attempt to hold yourself accountable:
- I’ll stop eating sweets
- I’ll work out at least once a day
- I will work harder at my business
- I won’t binge on Netflix every weeknight
It’s great that you want to make positive changes, but keep in mind that small specific changes make way for accomplishing a larger overarching goal!
Start with small, attainable changes. Then, you can gradually tackle the bigger goals. For instance, if you say you’ll hit the gym 3-5 times a week, you’re more likely to follow through with that than a major goal of 7 days a week.
Once you reach your smaller goals, you can form a habit that can be taken farther. After a while, you will be used to making time in your schedule to work out.
Everyone and their situations are different so forming a habit may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, but the point is to start with realistic goals that can be achieved. Slow and steady wins the race, right? In due time, you will find it easier to set higher expectations for your frequency and duration at the gym once you’ve adapted to a smaller change first.
Make Specific New Year’s resolutions
How elaborate are your New Year goals?
People tend to make vague resolutions. The best New Year’s resolution is one that’s made with a lot of forethought.
The more specific your goals, the more likely you are to complete them. This is because you aren’t overwhelmed with defining and interpreting a vague goal with no timeline or “measurable” outcome.
For example, if you are setting a goal to improve your health with exercise and diet, create a specific plan to follow with meals, amount of workout sessions per week, and have an ultimate goal! Whether that’s to extend your duration on the treadmill to 5 miles or to feel more confident in your favorite jeans, the important thing is to do it healthily and with an attainable goal.
We all know it’s unlikely to stick to a New Years’ resolution of “No carbs or sweets and working out 7 times a week.” Start out with a goal you can realistically manage and you’re more likely to stay healthy and happy in your journey to fulfill your goals!
Find a Friend or Community to Hold You Accountable
There are many people to help you stick to your New Years’ Resolutions! Here are a few suggestions:
- Friends – Hit the gym with a pal and you will probably find it more enjoyable and find yourself more committed to your gym sessions. No one wants a flakey friend!
- Personal Trainers – Accommodating to your schedule, you can set up appointments for a variety of fitness experiences catered to your needs and financial budget.
- Group Fitness – When you sign up for group fitness classes, you are more likely to attend your sessions than if you are going alone. Fitness classes make working out fun and provide a great opportunity to make friends who you can look forward to seeing every week!
Are You Ready to Make Healthy Resolutions?
Regardless of your health and fitness goals, the most important thing is to find a gym you feel comfortable and safe.
At NW Women’s Fitness, we provide a friendly, non-intimidating, ideal space to workout, without the ogling and distraction that is often associated with co-ed facilities.
If you’re looking for a new gym in Portland, come check out our facility! If you’re already a member, contact us for information on the many ways we can help you meet your New Years health goals!
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