Finding it hard to stick to New Year Fitness Resolutions?
Follow our top tips:
New Year’s Resolutions: we all make them, and most of us give up on them by the end of January.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Follow these top tips from :
Sleep on it
Recent research led by Prof Wiseman at the University of Hertfordshire, involving 1000 people, found that of those who slept well, 60% were able to stick to their NY’s resolutions compared with 44% of those who slept badly. So get some kip if you want the resolve to stick to your goals for 2015.
The devil’s in the detail
Make your resolution really specific: ‘I want to be able to run for 30 minutes non stop by week 6 of my program’ rather than some vague ‘I want to start jogging’.
Make your resolution achievable
So many people fall into the trap of setting themselves impossible targets, like losing 2 stone in 2 months. The recommended rate of weight loss is around 2lb a week or 1kg a week. Little steps are more successful and sustainable than dramatic weight loss, which usually results in weighing more than you originally did before you started.
Keep it real
Be realistic: write down your barriers to exercise eg demands of family, work, the dark winter nights, lack of self confidence etc. Work out how to overcome these and THEN set your New Year’s Resolution – if you lack energy at the end of the day for example, don’t sign up for an evening Zumba class, instead get your exercise done in the morning by walking to work instead of taking the bus.
Involve others –
Get your family and friends involved, as you’re far more likely to stick to your plan if others are relying on you. Sign up for a family charity bike ride, go walking with a training buddy, join a local running group…
Do what you love –
Were you a demon on the dance floor in your younger days? Then sign up for a Fitsteps class. Choose an activity which you enjoy and you’re more likely to stick to it.
Assign a friend to be your Positivity Pal –
If you fall off the wagon, treat it as a setback not a failure. Phone a friend or someone you know who will put a positive spin on it and who will encourage you to get back to your fitness program.
Reward yourself –
Set little rewards for yourself, eg when you reach your half way mark, treat yourself to some gorgeous trainers, and when you’ve reached your first major goal invest in a restorative massage. You’ve earnt it!fitness