(Image from buzzfeed.com)
Is anyone sick of reading or hearing about New Year’s resolutions? Or the pressure to make a great list of goals that you will achieve for 2015? If you Google “New Year’s Resolutions” you’ll find plenty of top 10 resolution lists to peruse with numerously suggested goals. Don’t get me wrong, I love setting goals and achieving them, but only YOU can set your goals, and only YOU can achieve them. So personally, I make my own goals reachable AND desirable to me.
If you have never run a mile in your life AND despise running, I would suggest not setting a goal to run a marathon in 2015. My point is set goals that you WANT to achieve . . . and that are attainable.
When I was at the gym a few days ago, two sisters were talking about how one of them could not stand to be at the gym (sister #1 was a regular at the gym and convinced sister #2 to join her). They had been going to the gym for the last 6 months but sister #2 said she “despised working out, it was exhausting, but [she admitted] I know it’s good for me.” I couldn’t help but join the conversation and asked her if she saw an improvement now compared to before she started working out (e.g. losing weight, more energy, sleeping better). And she said “yes,” she had stopped taking sleeping pills and was sleeping much better naturally. Well, I have to say, she was quite pleased with that realization. But even though she saw some positive ‘spin’ on working out, I couldn’t help but think how long will she continue doing something she despises, regardless of whether she sees some results? I was quite impressed she made it 6 months but to make it a lifestyle change, It’s likely she’d need to find something she enjoys doing.
If you want to get in better shape and start exercising regularly, why not find something you ENJOY doing, since it’s much more likely you’ll stick with it!
For several years I had a gym membership since I enjoyed how I felt after exercise and loved that it helped keep my weight in check, but I never really enjoyed using any of the cardio machines. They were monotonous and boring to use. Once I discovered running I began to have a purpose for going to the gym (at least in the dead of winter when I couldn’t run outside because the sidewalks were covered in a foot of snow). My goals of finishing a 5K, a 10K and eventually a half and full marathon were motivating me to continue going to the gym and using the treadmill since I ENJOYED running. These days, there are times that I don’t feel like running, but my goal simply is to do something for myself (now having children!), and having little time to myself helps me love running even more.
(Image from www.joyinourjourney.com)
Here are a few tips to get your year started off right!
Fitness Goals…
Fitness goals are one of the top resolutions people make. And this one is OBVIOUS when you go to the gym and you can’t find a parking spot anywhere for the entire month of January. Yup, for us regular gym goers, it’s a bit annoying, but my hope is at least a few of those January gym goers find something they enjoy at the gym and stick with it! Of course, you do not need a gym membership to stay fit. When my husband and I first met, we were line dancing 3 to 4 times a week for several hours at a time. Talk about a great workout!
- Maybe you enjoy walking, biking or Zumba classes
- Prefer to work out in the privacy of your own home? Try workout videos (You Tube has thousands to choose from)
- Enjoy sports? Join a YMCA or recreational league
Bottom line . . . find an activity you enjoy and schedule it into your day.
Diet Goals…
Next to fitness goals, losing weight is one of the top resolutions we make. I think it’s great that people want to lose weight and be healthier, but I suggest making changes that are realistic to your lifestyle. If you detest salads, don’t force yourself to eat salads just because they are healthy for you. It will not last. Know thyself.
- If you need to see concrete data and calorie counting works for you, try an app like
- If you like more flexibility, consider adding one or two healthy foods to your diet instead of taking unhealthy foods away
- If you know that cookies or candy are too tempting to have in the house, then make a decision to avoid buying them, and tell your significant other to eat them out of sight if he/she still wants to eat them.
Bottom Line . . . find out what technique or strategy works best for you and stick with it!
Hopefully you can use some of my tips to help in your own life and achieve realistic goals/intentions/habits that you would like to develop over the next year.
What fitness or diet strategies work for you? I’d love to hear your ideas!
Happy New Year!