The new year is here, and there is no better way to reinvent yourself for 2018 than to strive to get fit and healthy.
Unfortunately, New Year’s resolutions do not often last. According to Statistic Brain, in Jan. 2017, only 9.2% of Americans felt they were successful in achieving their new year goals.
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After the end of an exciting holiday season filled with sweets, lounging on the couch with family and days of overeating, it may seem easy to quickly purge all unhealthy habits and start hitting the gym.
However, the immediate shift from a lackadaisical holiday atmosphere to a routine that requires hours on the treadmill may make you think you can’t commit to a lifestyle with an exercise regimen.
Maintaining a fitness resolution is possible! All it requires is a personal goal and perseverance. Here are a few strategic tips to ensure you stick to your fitness goals for 2018.
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Make a practical plan
If your daily routine usually includes napping for two hours and adding pieces of chicken to Ramen Noodles for dinner, it is not a great idea to jump in to working out twice a day and going vegan on Jan. 1.
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Start slow!
Your plan should have a clear starting and ending point. Write down a year-long strategy with attainable goals and post it somewhere you can’t ignore it, like your bathroom mirror or set it as the lock screen on your phone.
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Set goals throughout the year
If your New Year’s resolution is to go to the gym more often, begin your initiative by going to the gym once a week for the first two months of the year. Then increase the number of days you go to the gym as the months go by, eventually ensuring working out is incorporated into your daily life.
If your objective is weight loss, you can strive to lose five pounds in one month. This list will provide a visual display of your efforts and give you a template of achievements. The satisfaction of checking off your accomplished goals will help motivate you to continue fulfilling your fitness resolutions!
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Find a way to keep yourself on track
In addition to keeping a year-long plan posted somewhere obvious, assure your goals are not ignored by setting up other memos to keep you on task. Set weekly reminders or alarms on your phone labeled “Gym day!” to keep you from napping when it is time to go to the gym.
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Get your friends in on it!
Tell your friends about your fitness resolution so they can encourage you to take a run instead of finishing that carton of ice cream in the freezer. Encourage a friend or two to be a part of your New Year workout resolution so you will always have a buddy at the gym, and you won’t be alone in your endeavors.
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Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
Getting fit for the New Year should not make you feel discouraged or stressed out. Adding more stress to your lifestyle as a college student can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. Think of working out as a way to release built up tension. If you miss a workout day, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just remember to get back at it sooner rather than later.
