Saying you want to get fit or exercise more are broad goals. In order to achieve your fitness resolutions, you need to be detailed about the changes you want to see and the strides you want to make. Are you hoping to lose a certain amount of weight? Do you want to achieve a specific number of steps each day? Do you want to try a new exercise class? Define your goals so you can determine the steps necessary to reach them.
Although you’re fired up to make a fitness change in your life, starting slow is the best approach. You don’t want to hurt yourself trying to do too much too soon. Set yourself up for fitness success by forging your own path.
“You may see people exercising at a very high intensity, but you should start with low-to-moderate intensity workouts. You may know people who train six days a week, but it's fine to start with three. You may see people engage in a diverse array of physical activities, but a 15-minute walk three days a week is a great place to begin,” advises Tyrone Holmes, Ed.D, CPT, certified personal trainer, author and Active.com writer.
Unless you have a degree in physical education, kinesiology or health and fitness, chances are you might be unsure how to start your fitness journey. It’s okay to not know because there are plenty of experts such as personal trainers, physical therapists and exercise specialists who can help you define your fitness goals, teach you how to train and develop a program that supports your fitness aspirations.
Friends make everything better, including exercise. There’s no reason you need to board the fitness train alone. Encourage a friend to go with you on an afternoon hike, join you for an early-morning sweat session in the gym, try out a new workout DVD in your living room or brave the unknown in a new workout class. Working out with a friend who’s dedicated to making the New Year a healthier and fitter one will help you succeed.
It takes time to see significant results, so be kind to yourself, especially when you’re not seeing the number on the scale move down as quickly as you hoped. Fitness is more than just the number on the scale, and you should be proud of every workout you complete and healthy change you make.
“Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. It won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient,” according to GAIAM writer Louise Smith.
Whether you want to improve coordination, get stronger, lose weight or just move more, these suggestions will help you work up a sweat so your year is filled with fitness successes.