We’ve all been there: you’ve enjoyed a few weeks of decadent food over December and maybe a few drinks, too – and now you’re feeling motivated to be healthier as January rolls around. However, lots of people find it hard to carry that motivation forward or have trouble sticking to their goals.
Life is all about balance, and it’s important not to be hard on yourself for time spent resting and relaxing even when you have targets that you want to achieve. In this guide, we’ll outline the best ways to set realistic goals and stick to them.
Have a plan
It’s essential to make and follow a plan to meet your fitness Ligoals. If you do too much, too soon, you’ll risk burnout, so it’s a good idea to start slowly with gentle exercise and pick up the pace as the month progresses. Ignore the myths and find a level of intensity that works for you.
Try setting out your plan on a calendar to tick off the days as they go or consider making a journal with a short note about your workout and how it made you feel.
Without a personal trainer, finding structure can be challenging – so don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or feel too tired to complete a session.
Get kitted out
If you’d rather work out in the comfort of your own home than head to the gym, why not invest in some equipment? You could use a spare room in your house to install state-of-the-art machines and your own set of weights, providing the perfect space to get in shape.
Professional equipment comes at a price, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your finances when you decide on your home setup. Be sure to budget responsibly so that you can set yourself up for success without any stress.
Form healthy habits
Even if you don’t feel like exercising, you’ll probably feel much better if you bite the bullet and try. If you miss a morning workout, why not compromise and do it in the evening instead?
Exercising in a group is almost guaranteed to boost morale and could lead you to completely new adventures – like it did for this group of early-morning sea-swimmers in Hampshire.
Making a commitment and aiming for consistency even when motivation drops will be critical to pursuing your fitness goals this year. Avoid procrastinating and try to use your time in meaningful ways and working out should become an enjoyable routine.
