Chances are that after a great time celebrating over the holidays, you woke up on New Year’s Day feeling a little off – not liking what you saw in the mirror and definitely not wanting to hop on the scale! Enter the usual inner dialogue: “No. That’s not possible. I wasn’t that bad over the holidays. Was I?”
Around this time of the year many of us vow to turn over a new leaf; to hit the gym, eat healthy, and get fit. More often than not we get off to a good start. But as February approaches we inevitably lose momentum, creating a vicious cycle. Another year passes and then it’s the same thing again. Rinse, lather, repeat.
So here’s the million dollar question: how do you break the cycle of failed New Year’s resolutions?
To be honest, there are no easy fixes. It takes time and dedication to stick to your newfound fitness regimen. But there are a few simple steps you can take to make it easier to stick to your New Year’s fitness resolutions…
Set realistic goals
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You don’t go from watching a marathon on TV to actually running one. Realistically, reaching your goal starts with a first step, even if it’s a baby one. You can choose between your right or left foot—as long as it’s a step. Be gentle on yourself and set realistic goals. Determine the best way to increase your activity at a level that’s maintainable in the long term.
Be accountable
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Working out with a friend is a great way to keep on track. It’s much harder to explain to your pal why you’re bailing on your workout than it is to justify it to yourself. Explain to your workout partner why you need their help and encouragement, they can be a great source of support during the hard times.
Variety is the spice of…fitness
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People tend to get bored with their workout routine. But who says you have to hit the treadmill for all your workouts? Take a dip in the pool, try a cycling session or even a group fitness class that you’ve always wanted to try. Remember those sports you used to play in school? Volleyball, basketball, street hockey, badminton? Give them a try to. The more variety in your workout regimen the less likely you are to get bored of it.
Reward yourself along the way
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Feel good and celebrate your successes, whether they’re big or small. Haven’t skipped a gym day in a while? Not as sore as you used to be after doing the same activity? Good for you! Reward yourself with a new clothing item, tickets to a sporting event or an upcoming concert you’re dying to see. Better yet, indulge yourself in a modest guilty pleasure you’ve been craving. Go on, you deserve it.
You CAN do it
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It doesn’t matter if you have a track record of giving up. Focus on what you’re able to control, which in this case, is your attitude and self confidence. If you take the mindset that you’re simply going to try again, the results might be the same. Write down some reasons why you’re making these changes, what you’ll do differently this time and review them whenever you feel you might be falling off track.
Need a little more motivation? Check out the YMCA on Saturday January 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Experience a free tour, or enter the draw to win a one-year YMCA membership. Better yet, YMCA Trainers will be on hand to discuss your 2016 fitness goals. Need an added incentive? Join the Y in January and pay no joiner fee.
Sign up for your free tour here
Find tours at the following YMCA locations:
955 Burrard Street, Vancouver
282 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver
14988 57th Avenue, Surrey
45844 Hocking Avenue, Chilliwack
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