Fitness Hacks
As we all know, the beginning of a New Year can mean a clean slate and a chance for us all to create better habits and improve our lives. Easier said than done though, right? New Year’s resolutions require discipline, dedication and hard work. I honestly don’t even like the term resolutions because it’s typically associated with something we do short term and our health is a long term goal! So, I want to share some of my personal fitness hacks with you to help you successfully stay on track throughout 2018!
1) Set GOALS and write them down. Know exactly what you want to achieve and having a way to measure it is the first step to success! Whether it is hitting 10,000 steps a day or losing X amount of weight by summer, it's important to be able to measure your progress. This can also help to keep you motivated as you slowly start to see improvements along the way!
2) Have Support - Now that you have your goals, it's time to let close friends, family, and co-workers know what they are and how they can help. This not only will help to create accountability, but you're also creating a support group; cheerleaders who will motivate you through the process! And if they are involved, they will be less inclined to tempt you with sweets, drinks, and all the other yummy stuff that we want but shouldn’t overindulge in.
3) Prepare - Life is chaotic and trust me, it will never stop being that way. Preparation is the difference between sticking with your New Year’s fitness routine and telling yourself you'll try again next year. Prep includes stocking your fridge with not only healthy meals in advance, but also healthier snacks so when you don't have time to cook, you can make better choices. And don’t forget cleaning anything unhealthy out the cupboards in case you get the urge for a late night snack. In addition, I would plan on having free weights or bands in your home and for on the go. This way, if you don't have time for the gym, or it's raining outside, you can have back up exercises!
4) Progress over perfection - The most important thing to keep in mind when trying to form healthier habits and maintain a consistent fitness routine is to realize that it's not about being perfect, it's about progress. You’re not going to reach your goals overnight. And remember, looking AND feeling good is a long term goal. There’s nothing getting in the way of our goals except ourselves.
5) And last...ENJOY! I know this may seem hard, but you should always find ways that you can enjoy what you are doing. If you hate running...don't! There are literally so many ways that you can get that heart rate up. For instance....if you love to dance, dance for 30 mins 4-5 days a week. Get a jump rope or hula hoop and act like a kid again. Think outside the box and have fun.
If you get bored, look into listening to more music you love or listening to a new audiobook or podcast to keep you stimulated. Finding a way to turn your exercise, regardless of the level of difficulty, into enjoyable ME time, is critical in sticking with it. And thinking of all this as ME time, is exactly the mindset you want to have to achieve your fitness goals!