Did you know that only 69% of people on New Year’s Day make a resolution to improve their health or live a healthier lifestyle? The remaining 31% of us are back at square one. There is nothing wrong with accepting responsibility for your own health and well-being, taking action to improve your life, and approaching it from the mindset that there is no finish line. Define where you want to go and how you plan to get there and look for resources and inspiration along the way.
To become stronger, fitter, and healthier in the coming year, remember that intentions are important, but they are not enough. Having a plan is also essential. What works for some people might not be right for others, as every individual is different. To ensure success, perhaps one of the above options could help you develop your own program and personalize your New Year’s resolution to improve your health and fitness routine this coming year.
While many people set resolutions to improve their health in the new year, many do not stick with them and fall off the wagon months down the line. But there are some ways to stay on track and achieve health goals that are simple to follow. The most important factor is having a positive mental attitude; the inspiration and determination to keep going can make all the difference when it comes time to get started. If you have identified some things you want to change about your health, make a balanced list of what needs improvement, focusing on just a few at a time for each resolution.
The best advice that we can give you is to create a routine for yourself, and remain consistent with it. If you are going to the gym every day for thirty minutes, progressing every week, and eating healthy meals every day — what’s the point of giving yourself credit for it? Remember that you want to create a long-term lifestyle change, not just a temporary “diet.” If you are striving to make optimum lifestyle changes, then don’t allow one or two bad days or some holiday treats to derail those efforts.
Try other things like taking a class at a gym or dance studio (or pilates), riding your bike to work, or even walking to the store. There are tons of options out there, and all you have to do is get moving. The more movement you give your body, the better you’ll feel physically, and that will help motivate other aspects of your life. You can always ask yourself if this is something that you really want to commit to—what are your main motivations? What will really keep you from quitting halfway through? Have another goal in mind that can help incentivize the change, such as staying active with family and friends. In the end, you don’t want to take up a workout routine for just one month; exercise should be something that you stick with for years to come!
At the end of the day, it all comes down to making a choice. You choose what you want to accomplish, and what you’re willing to devote your time and effort towards. If you aren’t making this choice, then everything is open for grabs—and the pull from our old habits can be too strong for anyone to resist. Choose wisely, and make this the year you experience real change in your life.