As far as New Year’s resolutions go, getting fit is usually at the top of everyone’s list. It’s something that we continuously tell ourselves to do – after losing our breath at the top of the stairs, after eating enough for three people, after fulling embracing winter comfort food before summer strikes.
And although it’s a hallmark of any Resolutions list, we often lose the motivation to continue on our fitness adventure.
Of course, we don’t want that to happen to you, so here’s our guide on how to stick to your fitness goals for 2018.
Via Getty
Before you even think about getting into a fitness regime, you need to have a plan sorted with When, What, and How. Look at your 2018 calendar, make a note of everything that will take up your time – work, social engagements, holidays – and plan around it. Find nights or mornings that are free and make it a regular occurrence. Next, decide on What. You don’t want to sign up to a gym only to realise after a week that it’s not for you. If you like running or swimming, find a park or swimming pool that convenient for you to get to. Finally, address the How, as in how much time will you be putting into your exercise sessions. Base this on your level of fitness and athletic ability and slowly work your way up as you continue to work out.
Lack of motivation is often where things go down hill. If you find that you don’t have the willpower to continue with your fitness regime, enlist the help of a friend. Not only will you feel more motivated, but you’ll up your chances of being successful in reaching your goals. Make it more by setting up challenges and friendly competitions for each week.
Via Getty
In case you didn’t already know, sleep is one of the best things for a healthy lifestyle. If you are planning on getting more active, you’ll also need an improved sleeping plan as your body will require more rest the more you work out. Try setting a bed time and wake up time for each day and get your body accustomed to this in order to improve your overall well-being. If sleep is a struggle, then address issues in your environment: turn off your phone and television, have a warm shower, and block out any background noises.
We all want to walk around feeling like supermodels, but we’ve also got to be realistic. Setting a fitness resolution can be exciting, but if you’ve put done an unrealistic goal, you’ll only wind up disappointed. When you’re in your planning stages, write down what you want to achieve and then in another column evaluate whether these are realistic. You may want to run a 10 kilometre marathon by April even though the furthest you’ve ever run is from the living room to your bedroom. Always be realistic.
Via Getty
The great thing about technology (and it can really be hit and miss) is that there are now apps for everything. If you need added motivation to hit your goals, try downloading an app – there’s plenty to choose from. Try the Nike+ Training Club for a classic choice, or if you want something a little more fun, give Zombies, Run! a go.
