5 ways to stick with your New Year’s fitness resolutions

Many people make fitness-related New Year’s resolutions, only to see them fall by the wayside by the end of January. This is why gyms are packed just after Christmas, but returned to normal long before Easter.

How can you keep the momentum throughout the year to achieve your goal of health and / or weight loss better?

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These five tips will help you stick to your New Year’s fitness resolutions:

Make one change at a time

Whilst it’s easy to begin a new year full of excitement, promise and energy with a great plan, however, starting smaller will give you a stronger chance of succeeding. Instead of planning an idealistic training schedule, aim for just a couple of days a week to begin with, building up if and when you feel ready. Instead of swearing off all your favorite unhealthy treats, vow to limit them to one or two days a week.

When you are successful with small steps, this habit will soon become a routine that you can build on when you add a new goal.

Do not go alone

Social interaction makes people more likely to succeed. Instead of going alone, sign up for a fitness class, joining a local walking club, walk with a friend at lunch or hire a personal trainer. The social aspect will motivate you, and you are likely to stick to your plan to exercise.

If you do not have anyone to join you in your workout, consider a virtual fitness community that you can make with FitBit to help keep you on track. Alternatively join a gym where you will get to meet like-minded people. For a Gym Dublin, visit https://southsidegym.ie/

Make it fun

Exercise does not have to be boring. Discover an activity to get fit that also sees you enjoying yourself and having fun. Perhaps a dance class or any other kind of exercise that puts a smile on your face. If you’re not bored, you’re more likely to keep going.

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Keep a food diary

Losing weight is a popular New Year’s resolutions. While there is no single strategy which works for everyone, a food diary can be a helpful part of your success. If not, it’s easy to underestimate how much you eat, forgetting that vending machine candy bar or a snack you have while watching TV.

One study found that people who make a food diary lose more pounds than those who do not. Consistency is the key, if you keep a diary or use an app to help.

Do not be too hard on yourself

It is unrealistic to think that you will be perfect when you are trying to reach your exercise or healthy eating goals. Accept that you will good and bad days and realize that what is important is getting back on track. If not, a missed workout or two can frustrate you for the rest of the year.

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