As we kick off the new year, many of us set goals for what we want to accomplish. One common resolution is to lose weight or get fit.
After indulging a bit too much during the holidays, you might feel guilty or notice how exhausted you are from all the holiday shopping. Making a promise to improve yourself is great, but many people struggle to keep it. So, how can you succeed in your fitness resolution? Here are a few tips to help you stay on track.
One reason people often give up is that they don’t see immediate results. Losing weight takes time and comes with its challenges. Instead of focusing solely on the number on the scale, consider other health benefits like having more energy, slowing down the aging process, improving mental health, and getting better sleep. While losing weight is a nice bonus, it shouldn’t be your only motivation.
Eating better is essential for weight loss. You don’t need to make extreme changes like adopting a keto or vegan diet. You can try fasting or controlling your portions by eating smaller meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet, so experiment to see what works best for you.
Consider talking to a life coach, counselor, or therapist. These professionals can help you understand why people often fail to keep their resolutions and offer strategies to overcome those obstacles. If you’re unsure where to start, search online for therapists in your area.
Another issue is that gym memberships are often quite flexible. With monthly fees of $15-$30 that you can cancel anytime, it’s easy to quit without feeling a big loss. If you’re serious about your goal and have the budget, look for a gym with an annual contract. The higher upfront cost might motivate you to stick with it to get your money’s worth.
A common mistake people make is pushing themselves too hard at first. They try every machine, lift heavy weights, and leave feeling great on day one, only to be extremely sore the next day. This is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and can be discouraging for newcomers. The key is to ease into fitness, allowing your body to adjust gradually. Also, make sure to consume more protein to aid recovery.
Don’t let one slip-up derail your progress. If you miss a day at the gym or overeat, it’s easy to feel guilty. Remember, everyone makes mistakes. Rather than beating yourself up, recognize that one bad day doesn’t undo your progress. Learn from it and keep moving forward.
Lastly, try using a fitness app like MyFitnessPal. These apps can help you set goals, count calories, and track your progress, giving you the motivation to continue.
This year, don’t let your resolution be just an empty promise. Commit to making this year your best yet.
