7 Tips to Keep Your Fitness Resolutions in 2017
New Year’s resolutions date back to ancient Rome and the mythical King Janus, from whose name January derives. Janus became a symbol for resolutions because he had two faces and could look simultaneously back on the past and look forward to the future. This January, look back on the past to see what you could do better, then look forward to a new and improved future.
Here are some pointers to help you keep your fitness resolutions in 2017:
- Set attainable goals and have realistic expectations. If you’re new to exercise, planning to run a marathon may be a bit too ambitious.
- Find the sweet spot of balance between too much exercise and too little. What that means is that you want to find the balance between where you get the benefits of exercise without overdoing and winding up injured or burning yourself out.
- Make a resolution along with a friend or spouse. Research shows that having someone you’re accountable to can almost triple your likelihood of sticking with exercise.
- One study showed that motivation to be physically active was higher when sports – instead of just exercise – were involved. Sports can make exercise less like drudgery and more like fun. Plus there’s an added social benefit to team sports.
- Having a goal in mind helps. For example, register for a 5 km run then train to achieve it or keep working on achieving your next belt in martial arts.
- Get the resources you need to achieve your goals, whether it’s a day planner, gym membership, group classes, fitness tracker app or a personal trainer to keep you in line.
- Establish a routine that you enjoy and stick to it. Consistency is key with exercise. If your work requires you to travel, do some kind of exercise that is portable like walking, running or stay in hotels that have a fitness room.