By Bonnibele Chukwuneta
Every year, you get in the habit of making New Year’s resolutions and fitness goals to become a better and healthier version of yourself so that you can truly live your best life, right? Exercise more. Lose weight. You’re going to work out five times a week and meal prep with those containers you just got from Amazon so you can be a size 4 again by Spring Break. Come January 22nd though, you’ve not only forgotten your goals but you’re at the Starbucks drive-thru, ordering a Venti something with extra whip. #guiltynotguilty
Sure, there are a number of reasons why people don’t feel bothered to stick to their resolutions, but the truth is that sticking to your fitness goals is a lot easier than you think. As someone who’s down 40 pounds in the last year, the biggest factor that helped me reach my goals wasn’t restrictive dieting or hardcore fitness routines. I changed my mindset. Once I took my fitness seriously, committed to wanting to improve things like my mental health and stamina, and focused on achieving smaller, attainable goals, the results came knocking on my door. With these tips, I kicked my mind into shape and, subsequently, my overall health.
For the record, I’m no fitness expert, nor do I have any fancy health or wellness certifications. It took years of trial and error to figure out what worked for me and I’m sharing it with you because they’re easy, mindful changes that anyone can make. So, Happy New Year! Here’s to a new you… for real this time!
Here are seven tips to help you get your mindset into shape and make 2019 the year you stick to your fitness goals!
This sounds like a no-brainer, but if it was, then it wouldn’t be the first tip. If you hate running, then how likely are you to commit to a new run program? Probably not. Jot down your hobbies and interests and find an activity that you can make a part of your daily routine. If you like the outdoors, then consider nature walks and hikes for exercise. Or maybe you like socializing; a fitness class may be more up your alley. Whatever the case, there are several ways to get active, so find something you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle and actually look forward to doing consistently.
Another reason some aren’t able to stick to their fitness goals is that their goals are too big or far away. Is losing 50 pounds impossible? No, but it can feel that way because it takes some time, plus the thought of losing that much weight can seem daunting or overwhelming. Remember that improved fitness doesn’t come easily or overnight, so breaking down your goals and taking smaller steps to reach your ultimate goal can be helpful. You can set a smaller goal like “lose 5 pounds in three weeks” and make small changes along the way. This way, the end result is an achievable one and just a few weeks out. Not so daunting anymore is it?
It’s easy to be hard on yourself for failing to stick to your fitness regimen. Sometimes, that self-negativity can unwind the hard work you’ve put in and before you know it, you’re binging Haagen-Dazs and How I Met Your Mother; yes, I’m speaking from experience. But what if you had a positive mindset? And what if you celebrated your little victories more and indulged in self-criticism less? Tell yourself “You Rock!” because you opted for a salad today instead of French Fries. Buy those Fabletics leggings you’ve been eyeing because you can do 10 regular push-ups now. Celebrating small victories reinforces the new behaviors and keeps us motivated to continue because rewards are awesome.
People often set fitness goals that are superficial or unrealistic. “Get Abs” sounds like a solid idea except that it’s vague and lacks a plan. Within a few weeks, getting abs is no longer a priority and we’ve accepted that it’s another failed resolution like get abs 2018, get abs 2017, etc. The truth is that you didn’t prioritize getting abs and the resolution didn’t mean anything to you. Improve mood; Reduce stress. Those are valid fitness goals to strive towards and you may find yourself more likely to commit to them and consistently exercise because you actually value those goals and can notice the difference pretty quickly.
None of us are perfect, so why do we expect to be perfect at our new workout routine and get perfect results? The path to the fit life is a complicated one just like everything else that’s good.
Missed days of exercise or a cheat day becoming three are normal and bound to happen because life happens. Rather than retreat to your old ways, jump back into your routine like you never missed a beat. You’re going to have off days every now and then, so, focus on long-term consistency rather than short-term perfection and keep it moving.
It’s understood that not everyone likes working out, but wearing old, poorly-fitted clothing and shoes can make things that much worse. If you’re not comfortable during your workout, then you’re not going to like your workout. If you’re training for a 5k, then the worn-and-torn sneakers in the back of the closet won’t cut it. Invest in a quality pair of running shoes. Adding Lagree to your routine? Sticky grip socks are necessary to keep your footing on the Megaformer. Quality fitness wear is essential for comfort and even protection from the elements if you take your workout outside. Being comfortable makes you more likely to enjoy your new routine and continue doing it.
You can watch fitness videos on Instagram and pin meal prep ideas all day long. Nothing will change if you don’t commit to your plan. If you want to stick to a fitness routine, then you have to get up, lace up your shoes, and start sweating. Purchasing a gym or fitness membership can motivate you to stick to your workouts since you want to get your money’s worth. One way I make sure to stick to my workouts is to put on my workout gear every day that I’m supposed to exercise. If I put them on and I don’t want to work out, then I can take them off; I rarely do.
There are a number of ways to keep yourself motivated throughout the year, but these tips should help you get a jump start today. You got this!
Looking for a fitness routine to kick start your resolutions? Click here to request a FREE Lagree Fitness class at Studio Physique today!
Bonnibelle Chukwuneta is the content creator and writer behind Belle In The Burg, a lifestyle and travel blog based in St. Pete. She’s working regular Lagree Fitness classes at Studio Physique into her 2019 fitness routine.