Fitness Thursday: Maintaining Your New Year’s Resolution

The last two days, my gym has been crazy crowded. I’m assuming yours has been too! It’s annoying, but why? I mean, these people are just trying to keep their New Year’s Resolutions and I can’t blame them. Although I am a regular gym goer, I still made some goals this year just like they did (although, I am secretly hoping it dies down in the next few weeks). I’ve gained about 12 pounds since we moved to North Carolina two years ago and I really want to wave bye bye to it. I’m only 5’2, so 12 lbs is a lot for me and I figure if I share my fitness journey on this blog, maybe I’ll hold myself a little more accountable!

I eat relatively healthy throughout the week, but as my husband call me, I am a “weekend warrior” and just want to indulge on the days I’m off. This means delicious Southern food and beer and wine. This year, I’m really trying to reach some fitness goals and also shed this nasty weight that’s been following me around.

So, without further adieu, Rachel of Shape Fitness Durham and I are back with 2016 first Fitness Thursday! Today, she’s sharing some tips for sticking with those New Year’s Resolutions!

1. Make a plan. Don’t make the mistake of saying “I’m going to start working out this year!” Do some planning – what exactly are you going to do? And be specific about it. For example: I’m going to go to bootcamp 3 times per week. Great! Now, where? Have you joined yet? Do you know the class schedule? Will it work with your schedule? Without a plan it’s very hard to live up to this arbitrary “I’m going to work out” resolution. So, before you even put your sneakers on, figure out WHAT, WHERE, and WHEN.
2. Set specific goals. There’s no sense in starting a journey if you don’t know where you want to end up. What are your goals? I often get the answer “I want to be healthier.” If that’s what you’re thinking, what does that mean to you? Is it lowering your cholesterol? Is it being a certain weight or body fat percentage? Is it being consistent with a healthy diet? Is it running a ½ marathon? Whatever it is to you, figure it out before you start. Give yourself an achievement date. Then, write it all down and put it in a place you will see it often to remind you to keep going!
3. Find some accountability. Whether it’s a friend, trainer, or someone new you meet at the gym, have someone holding you accountable. If no one is expecting you to show up, you might let exhaustion of life take over one day and skip your workout. After skipping once, you’re more prone to doing it again unless someone is counting on you being there. And be sure to hold your buddy accountable to her goals too!
4. Don’t forget that it takes time. One or two workouts will not have you waking up the next morning with your dream body. (Unfortunately, I know!) Focus on your daily action goals – the things you vowed to do each day to get you where you want to be. And eventually, the results will show! Keep your goals in mind on a daily basis and don’t give up!

Don’t forget, Rachel does virtual personal training for those who need help with #3. She’s great!

My fitness goals are only part of my goal list for 2016 which I’ll be sharing next week, but tell me, do you have fitness on your goal list this year?