How to Get Back On Course with Your New Year’s Fitness Resolution
The beginning of the year is an awesome time when you feel like you can conquer anything. Resolutions are set to maintain a healthier and active lifestyle, and off to the races you go. Unfortunately, sometime between then and now, you lose steam and that same hope you had in January becomes a bit foggy by spring. The truth is, only 8% of people stick to their New Year’s resolutions all year, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your health goals! Here’s how you can shift some things around and get back on track immediately!
Change your routine
One of the main reasons people abandon their fitness resolutions is because they don’t have enough variety in their routine. Hitting the gym every day and using the same equipment will not only bore you, it also doesn’t challenge your muscles to allow you to grow stronger. Boredom leads to inactivity so it’s important to stay ahead of the curve by always adding new routines and forms of exercise. With the spring season being underway, now is a good time to get active outside of the gym. Challenge yourself by training to run a half-marathon or a 5k. Grab a buddy and take a kickboxing class or even try water aerobics! The more you challenge your body, the better your results will be, and you will never grow bored with exercise again.
Many people complain that there are not enough hours in the day to work, eat, have a social life and go to the gym. If you feel as though time is not on your side, look for creative ways to sneak physical activity into your day! While you are at work (or anywhere for that matter) take the stairs instead of the elevator. This is a quick and effective way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. If you are a dog owner, walk them daily or even jog with them as a form of exercise for you both! Even a game of hide-and-seek with your kids constitutes as exercise, so get out and get moving! Ways to remain fit are all around you so there really is no excuse!
Fuel your body with the good stuff
While indulging in a few drinks after work may seem like a stress reliever, you are actually doing more harm to your body than you know. Drinking regularly can affect your daily performance at work and it increases your blood pressure as well as putting you at risk for certain cancers. Using alcohol as a method for stress relief can also lead to addiction, so it’s best to moderate this behavior or eliminate it completely. Use other positive mind-body techniques such as meditation or yoga to help strengthen your mind, relieve stress, and build confidence.
When it comes to food, your diet should consist of plenty of water, vegetables, lean meats, and fruits. If you have gotten off track with your diet since the beginning of the year, be gentle with yourself and start over. Try to eliminate processed foods (frozen dinners, junk food), refined sugar, and unhealthy fats. Instead opt for the fresh, whole foods that can be found around the perimeter of your local grocery store.
The benefits of a healthy lifestyle
If you treat your body well, your body will do the same in return. Working out regularly and eliminating bad behaviors reduces stress and the likeliness of depression. Good habits are also contagious, and you may find that your children and spouse want to partake in this healthy lifestyle with you! Start encouraging family fitness nights or cooking dinner together to create a bonding experience with your children as well as instill healthy habits that they can carry with them forever.
The year is still young, and you have plenty of time to get back into your resolution goals. As long as you keep your routine fun and eat well, you will be well on your way to being the healthiest version of yourself!