Many people make resolutions to get fit when the new year rolls around, but even those with the best intentions sometimes lose their motivation after a while. It’s nothing to be ashamed of; sometimes, life just gets in the way. When you’re tired after a long day at work and have to worry about getting dinner on the table or helping the kids with their homework, it can be hard to find the energy to get up and work out.
However, there are a few simple things you can do to help keep yourself motivated. Sticking to your resolution will not only ensure that you meet your fitness goals, it will also boost your self-confidence and enable you to tackle more things on your new year to-do list.
METFitness shares are a few tips on how to keep your resolution to get fit.
Set manageable goals
It’s important to start off strong by making reasonable goals. Having the desire to lose 50 pounds is wonderful, but you’re going to get very frustrated if you give yourself an unrealistic time limit. Talk to your doctor and do some research to figure out the best timeline for your goal, and remember to take your health into account. If you suffer from diabetes, for instance, it may be harder for you initially to lose weight, and it will take a strict diet in combination with exercise to get where you want to be.
Get outside
In many parts of the country, wintertime means very little daylight, which can bring on seasonal depression and drag down your motivation. When the days are nice and sunny, get outside and enjoy as much of it as you can rather than sticking to the gym. Go for walks with the dog or with your family, head to the park, go for a hike, or get out your bike and hit a local trail.
Spending time outdoors is a great way to get some vitamin D, boost your mood and have fun, all of which can keep you motivated when it’s time to work out. If you’re lucky enough to live in a city with lots of greenery, there are probably quite a few places you can work in some exercise while having a good time.
Change up your routine
If you’ve found in the past that it’s hard for you to stick to one workout routine without becoming bored, change it up! The more you vary your workout routine and keep it interesting, the more you’ll want to stick with it. Go for a swim, build a small home gym, give running a try, or head to the backyard with the kids for a game of soccer. Seniors can also take advantage of Silver Sneakers programs to find opportunities for extra fitness classes like Zumba, Pilates or yoga to round out their routines.
You can also talk to your employer about hosting on-site fitness classes for employees through a group like METFitness, which specializes in corporate fitness classes and workshops. You’ll get a chance for extra fitness through work, and your employer will be able to offer enhanced wellness programs. It’s a win-win!
Give yourself time
As with any resolution, it’s important to be patient with yourself. Starting your new routine on January 1 is admirable, but not necessary; allow yourself to get through what can be a stressful holiday season first, then put your plan into place. Talk to your loved ones about your plans so that they can be a support system throughout the process.
Include a friend
One of the easiest ways to stick to a workout routine is to ask a friend to join you, or strike up a conversation with someone at the gym and become workout buddies. Not only will it make the workout go by quickly (and lend some fun to it), you’ll also have someone to help you stay accountable when you get tired and feel like putting it off.
Make positive lifestyle changes
You don’t have to change everything right away. Just committing to eating a rainbow of fruits and veggies is a great way to start making positive life changes that will go hand-in-hand with your workout goals and help you stick to them. For instance, if you'll be moving to a new apartment in the coming months, look for a place with an onsite gym to help you keep up with your fitness routine. Simply filter for amenities like a swimming pool, fitness center and proximity to local parks when searching for a new Orlando rental.
Setting and keeping fitness goals can be tricky, so be patient with yourself and stay away from the scale, as it will only cause anxiety if the numbers don’t move fast enough. The most important thing is that you feel good and can learn to make better choices for your own needs. Good luck and a happy new year!
