Like many, we are happy to welcome 2017 and all the excitement of fresh slates and hopeful promise. As an organization that promotes amateur sport and a healthy lifestyle, January is an exciting time – as we see many people take to the gym and start healthy eating regimes. Over the months that follow, more then half of those who start in January, will have quit their New Years Resolution to be a better version of themselves. We want to help you stick to your goals and continue that journey of optimal health. Below are some quick tips to do just that:
Set Realistic Goals and Timelines
When you envision your end goal, whether it be to lose a set amount of weight, be able to run a specific distance or improve overall muscle tone and strength – you need to have a plan to get there. Your plan should fit your real-life schedule and consider that there will be things that pop up and attempt to throw you off your a-game. Is it realistic to plan to hit the gym six days a week, when you work a demanding job, have small children who participate in activities and you’re a member of the Parent-Teacher Council? No. When will you sleep? When will you rest? Start small and take incremental steps to reach your goals.
Have an Accountability Partner
You’ve heard that saying – “It takes a village to raise a child”, the same can be said about meeting goals and staying on track. Enlist a friend, trainer or even your kids to help keep you accountable to your plan and meet your goals. It’s also way more fun working out or eating healthy with others!
Go Easy on Yourself
Finally – don’t be hard on yourself. It takes 21 days to create a habit and even more to stick to it. If having a healthy diet and exercise routine was easy, we would all be doing it and this wouldn’t be a popular blog topic. If you do have set-backs, just start over. Forgive yourself and move forward with even more determination. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was that 6-pack!