New Year Fitness Goals: Staying on Track

Fitness is usually at the top of everyone’s hit list when it comes to resolutions. The turn of the New Year is a great motivator to start afresh and get on track. But inevitably things slip.

You might skip a gym session here, class there, and soon the excuses follow: ‘I’m too tired’,‘work is mental right now’. Come February, for most, our good intentions fall to the bottom of the priority list.

To help you create a meaningful fitness resolution, we share some ways to help you stay on track:

Goal Setting

It can be helpful to be working towards something. Deciding that this is the year you’ll participate in a 5K, 10K, Marathon, Tough Mudder, climb a mountain or some other event, gives you that additional motivator to stick to your fitness resolution. You can even raise money for charity in the process.

First and foremost, sign up to it- NOW. That commitment is your starting point and tell everyone what you’re planning to do. And once you’ve got the end date in mind,create a training programme to help you achieve your goal.

When it comes to your training programme, you may find it helpful to note down a goal post each week in your diary or have a dedicated training journal. Something to constantly refer to in the build up to your event. If you have an iPhone, you can use the health app to keep track and review progress for your training programme. You can note down total steps, miles ran, total distance cycled or swam etc.so you can easily, and visibly see your progress.

Partner Up

If you don’t like the idea of participating in an event but really do want to get improve your health and fitness, teaming up with a friend and figuring out a schedule can be really beneficial. You’ll motivate each other, and if you’ve a clear programme to work with, you’re more likely to stick to it. Plus, you’ll have someone to chat with and generally making going to the gym more enjoyable.

If you’re struggling to find someone in the vicinity of your local gym or that is able to work on the same schedule, joining classes is another great alternative. Classes are great for a bit of community spirit, many a friendships develop from an exercise class and you’ll continue to motivate each other as there are expectations you’ll always be in attendance.

What Does It Mean?

What is your motivation for getting fitter and healthier? Is it just a standard resolution? Finding it a struggle just to get up the stairs? Or perhaps you find you spend too much of your day sat down? You’re not as flexible as you once were, or you’ve had a health reality check in the last year.

Whatever it maybe, it’s a good idea to be clear about your reasons for jumping on the fitness bandwagon. Being honest with yourself for your reason for improving your fitness will help you to keep on track.

Get Experimental

Another great way to stay on track is to get experimental with your fitness programme. Try a variety of classes, machines, clubs etc. to find something you’re really passionate about. Consider mixing it up every couple of weeks/months to keep it fresh, exciting and enticing.  

In fact, it is beneficial to your overall health if you incorporate into your programme a mix of aerobic, strength and flexibility training. So, finding routines, programmes, classes to build this in to your weekly regime will be better for you overall.

We hope this gives you the inspiration you need to stay on track with your goals in the New Year. If you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to trying something new, check out the articles below!