Story by Audra Smith
Every new year, we see a lot of persons joining gyms and fitness centers to lose weight, be fitter, or just to be more active, but before the end of January or February, they give up. Here are a few tips to help you make your new years resolution become a long-term promise and even make it your new lifestyle.
FIND A FITNESS ACTIVITY THAT IS FUN AND EXCITING,-
so you look forward to doing it regularly. One of the first steps on getting into exercise and sticking with it is to find an activity that is enjoyable and makes you excited to go to every class. Not every sport or exercise class suits everyone as we all have different abilities and needs for fulfillment.
SET A BIG GOAL AND MAKE SMALLER MILESTONES
that help you stay motivated and see progress. Many times, we say I want to be able to run a 5k marathon, lose 50 lbs., I want to be a bodybuilder or the best fighter. This is the big goal; if we focus on the big goal only it will feel unattainable after a few months, and we will quit. It is easier to have the big goal and set milestones such as I want to be able to jog for 2 minutes straight then 5 minutes straight. Another would be I want to be able to do 10 push-ups then 20 push-ups. These mini victories are enough to keep you pushing through and the end goal becomes more attainable.
IF YOU LIKE COMPANY, FIND SOMEONE TO HELP YOU STAY ACCOUNTABLE.
Sometimes it helps to have someone who looks forward to seeing you come to class. This person can help you become more competitive and fuel you to push hard and will be your cheerleader on your journey.
BE MENTALLY READY TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS, YOUR MIND CAN BE YOUR GREATEST ENEMY. –
There are times we are physically ready to make a change in our life but if your mind isn’t focused on the goal you will give up when it gets a little hard. Your mind is meant to protect you and in doing so it likes to be unchallenged and to stay in the comfort zone. So, get your mind right!
EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS.
There are days when you feel too tired to give your all into a workout and that is normal. The key is to not give up. So instead of doing nothing at all, how about just doing a little something. This can be a quick 15-minute walk at a normal pace, some light stretching so the muscle doesn’t get tight, some squats or jumping some rope. This will also train your mind to expect exercise.