2016 means a new year and a new you! Everyone has had a new years resolution in some time of their life, whether it is to get in shape, eat healthier, travel more, etc. One of the most common, and most commonly broken new year's resolutions is to become healthier or to lose weight. So many gym memberships started and forgotten about all within a two-month span, but it does not have to be that way. Here are some tips that can hopefully help turn your new years resolution goals into accomplishments!
1. Plan ahead and track your progress
Actually keeping a resolution and sticking by it meanings planning. Planning means that there is no reason to "forget" to workout! Plan what days and times you will work out during the week around your school/work schedules. If it also helps, try keep track of your weight in your planner/notebook as well.
Keeping a food journal will help you keep track of what you eat and how often you eat as well. It is a good reminder to not eat too much and to not go searching for snacks when you're bored!
2. Drink lots of water
Although drinking water is not necessarily exercise, it is a very important part to living a healthy lifestyle. Drinking more water can not only keep you hydrated, but can also keep you from stuffing your face! Try drinking a glass of water after you wake up, and before you eat each meal!
3. Stay positive and keep trying
It is important to stay positive because it will make you more determined and focused. Don't give up just because you do not instantly see results; push yourself and remember why you made the resolution you did.
4. Integrate exercise into your daily life
There are days when you do not have time to dedicate an hour or so of your day to going to the gym or exercising and it happens, but there are still things you can do to get your blood flowing. You can walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator, park your car at the other end of the parking lot at the mall or even do squats during TV commercial breaks at home!
5. Reward yourself
After watching what you eat, how much you eat, and what you eat for a couple weeks, it is OK to indulge in a little bit of your favorite dessert. Trying to live a healthier lifestyle or trying to exercise more does not mean that you have to be deprived of your favorite foods. You're human, so eat a scoop of your favorite ice cream that you have been craving. As long as you do not make a habit of it, it won't lead you to giving up on your resolution.
6. Don't be too hard on yourself
Sometimes life gets in the way and you won't be able to exercise. Your boss might call you in for an extra shift during your regularly scheduled Zumba class. Instead of beating yourself up for not being able to exercise at that time, try talking a stroll around your neighborhood after dinner later.
7. Do activities you are actually interested in
If the gym is not your thing, there is always other methods of exercising. You could go biking, rock climbing, yoga, or even go for a nice stroll around the river. Doing an activity you have interest in will keep you working harder and you will have fun while you're exercising!
8. Take photos of yourself
As uncomfortable as it might make you, taking photos of yourself will actually help. Sometimes the scale just won't budge. The reason could be because you are losing weight but you are gaining muscle at the same time. Through dated photos, you would be able to see the progression of your body that you do not see in the mirror.
9. Motivation
Motivation is the difference between holding a two-minute plank and giving up at 1 minute and 30 seconds. Remembering why you are doing what you are doing and what you're trying to accomplish will help keep you working hard to achieve your goals.
10. Surround yourself with supportive, positive people.
Having positive people in your life will keep you motivated. Sometimes changing your lifestyle can be hard, but having someone to talk to and even motivate you will help you in your New Year's Resolution journey to a healthier lifestyle. They might even help you achieve your goals by joining you!
*Disclaimer: I am in no way a professional trainer or expert on this subject matter. These are just my own opinions and tips that I think would help anyone maintain a healthy lifestyle and help them keep exercising! I myself will be trying my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle in this year!
