As the new year approaches, many of us start thinking about resolutions and goals we want to achieve in the coming year. Health and fitness are often at the top of the list, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start or how to sustain our efforts over time.
Instead of jumping into an all-or-nothing approach, here are some tips for preparing for and sticking to your health and fitness resolutions.
- Picking the right exercise for you. There are so many options out there when it comes to exercise, from running to yoga to weight lifting. It's important to choose an activity that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. If you hate running, it's probably not a sustainable resolution to commit to a daily run. Consider your interests, preferences, and time constraints when choosing an activity.
- Starting slow and building up gradually. It can be tempting to set ambitious goals right off the bat, but this often leads to burnout and frustration. Instead, start slowly and build up gradually. This could mean setting a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day and gradually increasing your step count over time, or committing to a few yoga classes a week and adding more as you feel comfortable. The key is to find a pace that is sustainable and achievable.
- Don't aim for perfection. It's easy to get caught up in the "all-or-nothing" mentality, but the truth is that health and fitness are not about being perfect. It's okay to have a less-than-perfect workout or to miss a day here and there. The important thing is to stay consistent and make an effort to prioritize your health on a regular basis.
- Find accountability. It can be helpful to have someone to motivate and encourage you on your fitness journey. This could be a workout partner, a personal trainer, or even an online accountability group. Having someone to share your goals and progress with can make a big difference in sticking to your resolutions.
- Don't forget about nutrition. Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. Don't forget to focus on your nutrition as well. This could mean making an effort to eat more whole foods, cutting back on processed and sugary foods, or tracking your intake to ensure you're getting the nutrients you need.
In conclusion, preparing for health and fitness resolutions doesn't have to be overwhelming or intimidating. By choosing an activity that you enjoy, starting slowly and building up gradually, focusing on consistency rather than perfection, finding accountability, and paying attention to your nutrition, you can set yourself up for success and make progress towards your goals in the new year.
If you are still stuck on how to begin, you can drop me a message on LinkedIn to arrange a 30-minute conversation.
