As we start the new year, many of us make resolutions about what we want to achieve. A common goal is often to lose weight or get fit.
You might feel guilty after overindulging during the holidays, or maybe you’re noticing how tired you get from all the holiday shopping. Either way, aiming to improve yourself is great, but many people struggle to stick with it. So, how can you make sure you succeed? Here are some tips to help you achieve your fitness goals.
One big reason people fail to get fit is they don’t see immediate results. Losing weight doesn’t offer instant gratification; it takes time and there will be some ups and downs along the way. Instead, focus on other health benefits of getting fit—more energy, anti-aging effects, sharper mental health, better sleep, and more. Losing weight is fine, but it shouldn’t be your only motivation.
To lose weight, you need to eat better too. Some people go to extremes with diets like keto or vegan, but you don’t have to make drastic changes. You could try fasting, which might help control your portions, or eat more frequent, smaller meals instead of three large ones. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet, so experiment to find out what works best for you.
Talking to a life coach, counselor, or therapist can also help. These professionals can explain why many people fail to stick to their resolutions and how to overcome those challenges. If you have doubts or concerns, they can help turn your goals into reality.
Another reason people fail is due to the flexibility of gym memberships. Monthly gym fees are often low and easy to cancel, which makes it less of a commitment. If you can afford it, consider a gym with an annual contract. Paying more upfront can motivate you to get your money’s worth.
A common mistake when starting to exercise is going too hard too fast. People often try all the machines, lift very heavy weights, and expect to keep that high energy going. The next day, they feel sore and discouraged, a condition known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), which often happens to newcomers who overdo it. The key is to ease into fitness. Understand that it’s a new routine for your body and requires time to adjust. Don’t push too hard and you’ll experience less pain. Also, make sure to consume more protein.
Sometimes, people give up after one slip-up—missing a day at the gym or overeating. This leads to guilt, but remember that everyone makes mistakes. One bad day doesn’t undo all your progress. Learn from it and move on.
Finally, consider downloading a fitness app like MyFitnessPal. These apps let you set goals, track calories, and monitor your progress, helping you stay motivated.
Don’t let your resolution be an empty promise. Make it a commitment to make this year truly yours.
