Now that we are well into 2016, you have probably long forgotten any new year’s resolutions you may have made. Did you resolve to be healthier in 2016 or to finally make it a priority to “get fit?”
When people approach me about a fitness goal, I usually have a few follow-up questions because, in my experience, everyone is different. Before simply jumping into a new fitness routine, you may want to ask yourself:
- What does fitness mean to you?
- When you think about fitness, do you think about your appearance or do you think about your health?
- What’s missing in your life?
- How could fitness improve your life? Do you want to fit into your wedding dress again? Do you want to make the team? Do you want to improve your health so you can keep up with your kids? Does your job require you to meet certain physical demands?
We all have our reasons to work out, and we all know the countless benefits of doing so—stress management, athletic performance, health, physique, etc. The good news is that fitness is mainstream now, and there are a number of options available to help you meet your goals.
So, as we get further into 2016, whether you’ve been struggling with your resolutions or don’t even remember what they are, there is no better time than now to invigorate yourself with a new fitness routine. Here are five tips to get you back on track to ensure you meet your fitness goals this year.
Buddy up
When you’re setting fitness goals, try doing so with a workout buddy. If you can iron out the scheduling with another person, you could be arming yourself with a valuable instrument in the fight to stick to a training regimen. A friend can hold you accountable when your interest begins to fade. And a buddy system can help keep you motivated and make the training more fun. Additionally, you may find a little friendly competition brewing amidst your journey. This may help you get through some of your tougher workouts and, ultimately, help you reach your goals.
Do something you enjoy
There are a lot of fitness fads out there—and some of them might be perfect for you. Some, though, may not. Achieving your goals means finding a routine that works for you and sticking to it. So, make sure you find an activity you will enjoy. Think about a time you were more active. What were you doing? Is there a way for you to incorporate that activity into your life now? Just remember that success means sticking to your routine, whatever it is. Make sure you find something that works for you.
Set goals
One of the most important tools in the pursuit of health and transformation is goal setting. As you set goals, make sure they are realistic, attainable and measurable. You don’t want to set yourself up for failure.
As you set goals to improve your lifestyle, be mindful of the steps necessary to achieve them. For example, if you set a goal to drink more water, how will you go about achieving that goal, and how will you know whether you have achieved it? Instead, perhaps set a goal to drink a glass of water with breakfast, lunch and dinner. This way, you have a clear action plan, and you will know if you are achieving your goal. Goals like this are specific and attainable, which will allow you to hold yourself accountable.
It’s also important to set short-, medium- and long-term goals. Achieving your short- and medium-term goals will help give you the confidence you need to tackle your longer-term goals. And, again, if your goals are attainable, you will set yourself up for success. Heck, staying on track can be as simple as putting yourself out there and using your friends and family as a support system. If you are on social media, this can be a fantastic way to hold yourself accountable.
Join an active organization
There is no better way to get active than simply piggybacking on the efforts of others. Groups like Harrisburg Young Professionals can make that easy and exciting. They offer a variety of activities and events that get people moving and shaking. And, who knows, you might make a friend or two in the process.
Try group training
For those who are serious about taking their fitness to the next level, there is always group fitness training.
Group fitness is taking over the fitness scene because people are looking for creative ways to stay active and see results. This has created many opportunities for fitness entrepreneurs and, as a result, there are plenty of new fitness options on the market.
You don’t have to go to the gym and shell out for a trainer or stand among the undecipherable fitness equipment and try to put together your own routine. Group fitness is a way to get serious about your fitness. Leave it to a professional to come up with the creative program design and join a fitness community that will help keep you motivated.
It’s April, months after you made those 2016 resolutions. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time to honor your pledge to get into better shape—especially with beach weather right around the corner.
Ivan Black is the owner and trainer at Next Step Performance, 1100 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.nsp.fitness or call 717-382-6398.
