As the new year kicks off, many of us set goals to achieve. One common goal is to lose weight or get fit. Whether you overindulged during the holidays or just feel exhausted from holiday shopping, committing to self-improvement is great. However, many people struggle to stick with their fitness resolutions. So, how can you make yours work? Here are some tips to help you succeed.
One major reason why people fail is the lack of immediate results. Losing weight doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a gradual process with ups and downs. Instead of solely focusing on weight loss, think about other health benefits like increased energy, anti-aging effects, better mental health, and improved sleep. Weight loss is fine, but having multiple motivations can keep you committed.
Diet plays a crucial role too. While some go for extreme diets like keto or vegan, you don’t necessarily have to. You could try intermittent fasting, which might help with weight loss, or simply watch your portion sizes. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet, so experiment to find what works best for you.
Consider talking to a life coach, counselor, or therapist to understand why so many resolutions fail and how to overcome those obstacles. If you’re experiencing doubts, a professional can help turn those doubts into achievable goals.
Another pitfall is the flexibility of gym memberships, which can make it easy to cancel without much loss. If possible, invest in an annual contract. Spending the money upfront might motivate you to get your money’s worth.
It’s also common for newcomers to go too hard at the beginning. They might try every machine or lift too heavy, feeling great on the first day but then suffering from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) the next day, which can be discouraging. The key is to ease into fitness slowly. Recognize that your body needs time to adjust. Also, consume more protein to aid muscle recovery.
If you slip up, like skipping a gym day or overeating, don’t beat yourself up. One bad day doesn’t ruin your progress. Learn from it and move forward.
Lastly, consider downloading a fitness app like MyFitnessPal. These apps help you set goals, count calories, and track your overall progress, giving you the motivation to stick with your resolution.
Make this year different by committing to your resolution. Get out there, achieve it, and make this year yours.