Happy New Year! We hope that 2016 is a year of good health, success and happiness for all of our members and readers.
The month of January has become all about “New Year, New Me”. Come on, own up, how many times have you said these words since the turn of the year?!
Each and every time a New Year rolls along people are determined to unveil a brand new version of themselves as people see it as the ideal time to change something. It is especially common to want to change your health or fitness levels in the New Year. You may feel out of shape and lazy following the holiday season, you may be about to embark on training for an upcoming event, or you may even feel the need to completely change your lifestyle.
It is not always necessary to reinvent yourself, but we do believe that the New Year is as good a time as any to improve your health and fitness.
Whether you want to increase your cardio fitness levels, build muscle mass or get those abs out, here’s how to make and achieve your New Year’s Resolutions…
1) Make suitable resolutions
Don’t make a resolution that’s too easy, the whole point is to challenge yourself, but don’t say something ludicrous like “I’m going to swim from Wales to Australia in August”! It’s all about achieving the right balance.
2) Set multiple goals
Failure at past New Year’s resolutions can get people down before they even start. This is why you shouldn’t focus on just one goal a year. Create a list of around ten. Yes this means you have more to achieve, but it also means that any failed resolutions can be offset by success at others.
3) Start right
You may have returned to work on January 4th feeling drained from Christmas and New Year. If so, consider starting your New Year’s resolution a week later when you feel refreshed and ready. Resolutions don’t have to start on January 1st – this isn’t about conforming it’s about improving ourselves.
4) Divide up your goals
When it comes to fitness it is sometimes easier to achieve short term goals than long term ones. If your resolution is to lose 30 pounds this year, try splitting this up losing 2-3 pounds a month. Sounds a lot more achievable than losing 30 pounds, right?
5) Eat right
Whether your goal is to lose fat or build muscle, your diet must support your endeavours in the gym. There is a common conception that eating lots of Salad and Vegetables is boring. It doesn’t have to be. Be inventive and imaginative; try “superfoods” such as blueberries and kale. Don’t punish yourself too — if you dread the thought of broccoli in your diet but want to eat it because you know it’s healthy, change it for carrots!
6) Measure
Make sure that your goals are measurable so you can stay on track. This way you can make changes throughout the year if needs be.
7) Reward Yourself
Being able to enjoy the process of reaching your goals and looking back on your accomplishments with pride is such a great feeling. If you do well, buy some new workout kit or a new pair of gym shoes. Reward yourself for achieving your goals!
We hope that this article will help you to achieve your New Year’s Resolutions in 2016 as achieving your goals really is a fantastic feeling.
Get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter to let us know your New Year’s Resolutions and how you intend to keep them!
