New Year, New You? Fitness resolution hacks that you won’t hate committing to.
It’s that time of year again…
People all over the place are hashing together resolutions that they hope to carry through the year, finally taking charge over the parts of their lives they want to improve. Intentions are great, but everybody knows that starting and sticking with new habits is inherently difficult.
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is physical fitness. It also happens to be one of the most swiftly abandoned New Year’s resolutions. Why? Because it’s difficult.
80% of resolutions fail by February (boooo).
There’s no avoiding the fact that certain, strenuous physical exercise isn’t always easy, so we’re prone to give up on it without much resistance – but that doesn’t need to be the case this year.
How can we make fitness resolutions a little easier to stick with? Whatever it is you want to achieve in 2022, here are a few handy motivation tips to see you through the January blues and beyond!
SET REALISTIC GOALS
Aiming to lose three stone in January isn’t realistic. Neither is setting yourself the evil task of hitting the gym for a 5:30am circuit class seven days a week. Be reasonable. Set attainable goals that challenge you but aren’t impossible.
Setting unrealistic goals will only knock your confidence because, if you don’t meet them, you’ll feel like a failure, so set goals you know are within your reach.
RECORD YOUR PROGRESS
Whatever your goal, keeping a record of your progress is a great way to look back at your achievements. When you’re in the moment, it can feel as if little has changed. Taking a look back at the progress you’ve made can be the only motivation you need to continue.
Try investing in a fitness tracker and keeping tabs on your steps. For those keen to build muscle, lose weight or change the shape of their body – try taking regular progress photos.
INVEST IN YOURSELF
Sometimes you need to force your own hand. One thing people can’t stand is wasting their own money. Investing in trainers, classes, or something that your own money is going into can be all it takes for you to get your rear in gear.
Most would much rather break a sweat than sit idly knowing they’re wasting their own hard-earned money.
REWARD YOURSELF
When you’re working hard towards a goal, it can be easy to restrict yourself. But a treat now and then never hurt anyone! If you plan on upping your fitness sessions each week, invest in some new workout clothes. Not only will you feel more confident during the sessions, but you’re more likely to attend if it means trying out your new items!
Between all these ways to make the commitment to exercise more this New Year is your desire to better yourself. It’s not easy to break out of a comfort zone.
We know one thing for certain, creating an exercise habit is worth the strain it takes to get there and you won’t regret it. Start by using these tips, then find things that speak solely to you. The possibilities are endless.
